A simplified analysis of a configuration of geosynthetic reinforcement in GRPS embankments

Abstract

Geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported (GRPS) embankments are increasingly used in recent years to reduce the differential settlement and increase the bearing capacity of the embankments. A new theoretical model is proposed to calculate the tensile force distribution and cross-sectional configuration of the geosynthetic reinforcement used in the Geosynthetic-reinforced and flexible pile-supported GRRPS and Geosynthetic-reinforced and rigid pile-supported GRFPS embankments. The accuracy of the proposed methods is verified by the results from laboratory model tests, centrifuge model tests and theoretical models in the literature. It is found that the tensile forces along the geosynthetic are distributed unevenly both in GRRPS and GRFPS embankments with the maximum and minimum magnitudes located at the edge and centre of the pile cap, respectively. The soil arching effect contributes more to the bearing capacity of the GRPS embankment than the membrane effect. It is found through the analyses of the centrifuge and model tests data that the soil arching effect contributes 65–75% of the total load transfer efficiency.