Prediction of impending failure of embankments on soft ground

Abstract

The deformation behaviour and excess pore pressure response of 13 well-monitored embankments on soft ground that were constructed to failure have been analyzed. The analysis shows that by monitoring lateral displacement at the toe of the embankment and vertical displacement at the toe and about 5 m beyond the toe, the onset of impending failure of embankments on soft ground can be detected while the slope is at about 70–90% of the failure height. This equates to an actual factor of safety of around 1.25. Monitoring of borehole inclinometers at the toe of the embankment, cracking of the embankment, and the pore pressure response and deformation during pauses in construction can provide useful additional data for detection of an impending failure.Key words: embankment on soft ground, deformation, pore pressure, failure, factor of safety.