A simplified algorithm for predicting creep settlement of high fills based on modified power law model

Abstract

The calculation and prediction of creep settlement is an important basis for judging whether the settlement of high fills is stable and arranging subsequent construction. In this study, a modified power law model is established based on Hypothesis B and Bjerrum's classification of creep deformation. The modified model can uniformly describe the one-dimensional creep deformation of clay, sand and soil-rock mixture, and satisfies the requirement that the one-dimensional creep deformation tends to a constant value over time rather than increasing indefinitely. Then a simplified algorithm for predicting creep settlement is proposed based on the modified model. The simplified algorithm has only three parameters with explicit physical meaning, which are determined by settlement monitoring data. By the settlement monitoring data from high fills at Chengde Airport, Chengchi Expressway and Panzhihua South Railway Station, the fitting and predicted results of the simplified algorithm were compared with other three prediction algorithms commonly used in geotechnical engineering. The results show that the proposed simplified algorithm can predict the creep settlement of high fills more effectively and accurately.