Effect of geosynthetics used in a pile-supported embankment

Abstract

Geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankments have been increasingly usedin soft soil improvement, especially when rapid construction or rigorous settlement control is required. In this study, a geotextile made of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used as reinforcements of a pile-supported embankment. The effects of installation of geotextile mats in a pile-supported embankment on the behavior of piles and embankment was investigated by numerical analysis using fi nite element method. The numerical investigation was made by examining the vertical and horizontal settlements of the embankment as well as the shear force and bending moment along pile shafts as the number of geotextile layer is increased. The results showed that the use of geotextile reduces not only both the shear force and the bending moment of piles but also the settlement of soildue to arching effect enhanced within the embankment. It was also expected that the use of two layers of geotextile has the most reinforcement effect.