Evaluation of geosynthetic-encased column-supported embankments with emphasis on penetration of column toe

Abstract

Geosynthetic-encased stone column (GESC)-supported embankments are environmentally friendly methods and are increasingly being used for highways over soft soil. Based on a load-transfer mechanism of a GESC-supported embankment, a solution was obtained by considering the nonlinear elastic behaviours of the GESC and penetration of the column toe. The radial stress equilibrium of the GESC and the vertical load transfer mechanism were taken into consideration. By applying the deformation and stress continuity at the bottom of the embankment fill and the surface of the underlying soil layers, the deformations and stresses of the embankment fill, the surrounding soil, and the GESC were compatible. The equal settlement planes, the column efficacy, the skin friction along the GESC, and the differential settlement at the bottom of the embankment can be computed by the proposed method. Compared with field data and a numerical method, the proposed method has been proven reasonable. The bearing type of the column with different underlying soils is between floating column and end-bearing column. The deformations and stresses affected by the stiffness of the underlying soil were analysed.