Highway Embankment Research Articles

Forensic Investigation of a Cracked Highway Embankment Pavement in Louisiana: A Case Study

Forensic Investigation of a Cracked Highway Embankment Pavement in Louisiana: A Case Study

Proactive Measures for Preventing Highway Embankment Failures on Expansive Soil: Developing an Early Warning Protocol

Proactive Measures for Preventing Highway Embankment Failures on Expansive Soil: Developing an Early Warning Protocol

Investigation of the particle crushing characteristics of stacked stone materials under different stress path conditions

Stone fill materials are widely used in engineering projects such as earth-rock dams, railways, and highway embankments. Nevertheless, they are susceptible to particle breakage, which can lead to a decline in engineering performance. A complete set of studies on crushed stone aggregates was carried out to investigate particle crushing characteristics under various stress path conditions. To quantify the amount of particle crushing, the relative particle crushing rate was utilized as an indicator. The plastic work performed during the trials was compared across different stress routes, and the relationships between particle crushing and average stress p and generalized shear stress q were investigated. In triaxial testing, the differences in particle crushing behavior under different stress routes were thoroughly examined. The results show that particle crushing is substantially lower in the modelling of a rockfill dam constructed with a core wall and subjected to reservoir water pressure pathways than in conventional triaxial tests. A clear relationship was discovered. Across several stress routes, a clear link between plastic work and the relative particle crushing rate was detected, which was successfully characterized by a power function. Notably, the contributions of different stress components to the overall plastic work varied significantly. The plastic work exerted by the generalized shear stress q accounted for a large percentage of traditional triaxial testing, although the proportion of plastic work given by p and q changed significantly in complex stress path tests. This research enhances the understanding of the particle breakage characteristics of stone fill materials under complex stress paths.

Stabilization of Dredged Soil by Compensating the Sand Content in the Jhelum River

River dredging is crucial for mitigating the risk of floods by enhancing the water-carrying capacity of rivers. Nevertheless, the key difficulty lies in the appropriate disposal of dredged material, resulting in escalated costs. Predominantly consisting of silt, the dredged material demonstrates constrained bearing capacity and strength. Nonetheless, there is a prospect to derive value from excavated sediments, with potential applications in diverse public works projects. The processed product derived from dredged material can serve diverse purposes, such as filling railway and highway embankments, as well as the subgrade of pavements. The comprehensive study involved analyzing the fundamental properties of the dredged material collected from the Allochibagh flood channel of the Jhelum River. The analysis focused on determining the basic geotechnical properties of the soil mass. The tests unveiled the fine and cohesive nature of the dredged soil. To enhance its properties, sand was introduced as a stabilizing agent in varying proportions. The investigation revealed an initial augmentation in compressive strength as the proportion of sand increased, attaining an optimal mixture whereafter the strength declined. This study explores the utilization of sand as a stabilizing agent for dredged soil to enhance its strength and optimize its application. The process of stabilizing dredged soil with sand demands a thorough examination of hydrogeological processes, the specific characteristics of the dredged soil, and the intricate transport of contaminants. This formal and multidisciplinary effort seeks to elevate the overall stability of the soil.

Experimental Study on the Distribution Patterns of Moisture and Temperature Fields in Highway Embankments in Cold Regions

Experimental Study on the Distribution Patterns of Moisture and Temperature Fields in Highway Embankments in Cold Regions

Wind-sand flow simulation and radius optimization of highway embankment under different vertical curve radius

Wind-sand flow simulation and radius optimization of highway embankment under different vertical curve radius

Experimental Study on the Influence of Increased Summer Rainfall on the Hydrothermal Process within the Highway Embankments in Permafrost Regions

Experimental Study on the Influence of Increased Summer Rainfall on the Hydrothermal Process within the Highway Embankments in Permafrost Regions

Seismic fragility assessment of embankment: A displacement-based approach using dynamic finite element model analysis

Abstract The assessment of seismic fragility of highway embankments is a key component of seismic risk modeling for traffic infrastructure. This study examines the seismic fragility of an embankment using advanced finite element dynamic analysis, contrasting findings with prior research to validate results. Based on established methodologies, an incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) was executed, with the Probabilistic Seismic Demand Analysis (PSDA) for the development of fragility curves. A comparative study was conducted between two modeling methods; one employing finite difference (FD) method and other employing finite element (FE)method. The analysis revealed that, selection of inputs like the nature of earthquake time history and number of records selected along with the analysis method influences the seismic fragility assessment of embankments. The choice between finite difference and finite element methods can yield differing results, with FD, being grid-based, can face challenges with complex geometries and boundary conditions, on the other hand, FE’s mesh-based approach offers flexibility in modeling intricate domains, handles complex boundary conditions more adeptly, and provides a more continuous representation of material behavior. A distinct dynamic stability test based on Newmark sliding block principles showed the embankment slope’s inherent resilience, with no permanent deformation, underscoring the requirement for further research.

Pore characteristics and microscopic damage mechanism of disintegrated carbonaceous mudstone exposed to dry-wet cycles

Disintegrated carbonaceous mudstone (DCM), derived from pre-disintegration treatments of waste carbonaceous mudstone, is utilized as filler for highway embankments with the aim of conserving resources. However, the mechanical behavior of DCM is greatly influenced by its microstructure, particularly pore characteristics. The aim of this study is to investigate the pore characteristics and microscopic damage mechanisms of DCM subjected to dry-wet cycles. Triaxial tests, along with microscopic observations using scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry, were performed. Three-dimensional pore models were reconstructed from the microscopic test results via the Markov chain-Monte Carlo method. Subsequently, a finite element method that accounts for the anisotropy of porosity was proposed based on these pore models. Finally, numerical triaxial tests were performed to analyze stress changes in DCM under triaxial loading using the proposed method. The results show that the shear strength and cohesion of the DCM decrease with an increase in dry-wet cycles, stabilizing notably after four cycles. Meanwhile, the porosity and the number of slender pores in the specimen increase, leading to intricate alterations in pore shape and distribution. A comparison between numerical and laboratory triaxial tests demonstrates closely aligned results, with distinct stress concentration behavior related to porosity anisotropy. It is revealed that dry-wet cycles cause an increase in porosity and the occurrence of more irregular-shaped pores, subsequently leading to a decrease in the cohesion. This microscopic mechanism is responsible for the shear strength damage of DCM.

Experimental Study on Erosion Process of Expressway Embankment Subjected to Tsunami After Earthquake

On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake triggered tsunamis that reached extensive areas along Japan’s Pacific coast. There have been instances where embankments built on plains for expressways mitigated the impact of tsunami damage. In the vicinity of the Sendai-tobu highway, the presence of an embankment approximately 10 m high altered the course of the advancing tsunami, thereby preventing flooding. Establishing a multiplied defense system using road embankments necessitates understanding the deformation and collapse mechanisms of road embankments impacted by tsunamis following seismic motion. In this study, overtopping experiments were conducted by first applying seismic motion to model embankments, followed by introducing the first wave of breaking bores, and then simulating prolonged overtopping by the tsunami. The experimental findings indicated that within the embankments impacted by the tsunami, there was an immediate increase in what is presumed to be pore air pressure following the arrival of the breaking bores, followed by a rise in pore water pressure during subsequent overtopping. Moreover, embankments subjected to seismic motion exhibited accelerated erosion following the overtopping. These results imply that when embankments settle due to an earthquake, leading to relatively higher anticipated inundation depths and the potential for overtopping, it is crucial to implement measures to prevent the settlement of the crest for embankments expected to serve as part of a multiplied defense system.

Documenting the Collision of a Landslide in Permafrost with a Highway Embankment

Documenting the Collision of a Landslide in Permafrost with a Highway Embankment

Slake durability indices of shales from the Batu Arang Beds, Selangor Darul Ehsan

The Eocene to Oligocene Batu Arang Beds outcrop within an approximately triangular basin covering some 15 km2 and comprise stiff, structureless clays to well laminated and fissile shales inter-bedded with fine to coarse sandstones and several coal layers. The shales are often silty and even sandy and contain abundant carbonaceous material. The coal mostly occurs as thin laminae, though two thick seams, mined by open-cast and under-ground methods from 1915 to 1960, are found in the eastern part of the basin. To determine the weatherability characteristics of the shales, three samples (A, B and C) were collected at the western wall, and one sample (D) at the eastern wall, of an open-cast shale pit. Samples A and D are located some 10 m, and 5 m, below the ground surface, whilst samples B and C are 10 m, and 16 m, stratigraphically below sample A. Samples A, B and C, and D have average dry unit weights of 16.64, 14.49, and 15.40, kN/m3 and average apparent porosities of 26.2%, 35.7% and 31.7%, respectively. Slake durability indices of all samples for one standard cycle of wetting and drying (Id1) are between 98.3% and 99.3%, and for two standard cycles (Id2), between 96.7% and 98.9%. Durability indices for three standard cycles (Id3) are between 95.1% and 98.2%, and for four standard cycles (Id4), between 93.3% and 97.6%. The indices lead to the conclusion that the shales are of high to extremely high durability and suitable for use as highway embankment or construction material. The high durability classification is supported by recent excavations at an overburden dump where relatively fresh shale blocks with little disaggregation or disintegration are exposed even after being buried for 78 to 85 years.

Geofoam: A potential for Indonesia’s soil problem IV - Update on Geofoam Application

Geofoam is a type of geosynthetic that is used to replace soil fill. Geofoam’s unit weight is only 1-3% of compacted soil. Therefore, it is suitable for constructing embankment over soft soil to reduce settlement. Geofoam can also be used to extend slopes without causing instability. Due to its lightness, construction of geofoam can be done quickly with little to no help from heavy machinery. Hence, geofoam is beneficial not only in terms of solving geotechnical problems, but also in reducing carbon dioxide emission. Geofoam has been used for over half a century in the construction history. However, adoption of geofoam in Indonesia’s construction industry is minimum until recent years. 2022 marked the first use of geofoam for highway project in Indonesia. The highway embankment was to be built on problematic soil, clay shale. Initial attempt to construct the embankment with soil fill triggered slope failure. Finally, geofoam was chosen to be the only solution that can be used to solve the problem.

Research on the deformation and damage process of crushed-rock highway embankment in permafrost areas

Research on the deformation and damage process of crushed-rock highway embankment in permafrost areas

Bridge Approach Settlement and its Mitigation Schemes: A Review

The primary function of the bridge approach is to provide a seamless transition from the highway or railway embankment to the bridge structure. However, a sudden change in elevation (drop/bump) at the transit of these two has often been observed. This sudden drop/bump acts as a potential cause for motorist discomfort, impact on the bridge deck, and cracks on the pavement surface. This phenomenon of ground settlement or deformation that can occur near the approach or abutment of a bridge for various reasons is often referred to as bridge approach settlement (BAS). Several researchers have contributed to formulating the reasons behind BAS and have proposed several mitigation techniques. This manuscript provides a comprehensive literature review on the causes of BAS, the contribution of various research works on mitigation techniques, and experimental, numerical, and field studies of various BAS mitigation schemes. The causes and mitigation techniques are categorized based on major components of the bridge structure, that is, the foundation, abutment, backfill soil, bridge approach, and bridge deck interface. Each of these mitigation schemes has advantages and disadvantages, and the best approach will depend on several factors, such as the type of soil, the loading conditions, and the design of the bridge and its approaches. The feasibility of various mitigation schemes is also reviewed with respect to their efficacy and ease of use.

Seismic behavior of highway embankment reinforced with remedial countermeasures on saturated loose sandy layer

A hybrid pile system is proposed to suppress excessive settlement and lateral spreading, which are regarded as main causes of highway embankment failure due to earthquakes. This system, combining two groups of vertical and inclined piles arranged on both sides of highway embankment slope, can be applied to existing highway embankments. In this research, a series of 1 g shaking table tests were performed together with modeling the performance of highway embankments incorporating three cases with different reinforcements subjected to two sinusoidal waves. Several aspects of acceleration time history, pile deformation, and embankment settlement under three configurations were revealed and discussed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed countermeasures. The results indicate that (1) the hybrid pile system can still ensure sufficient functionality to maintain the highway embankment after two consecutive strong earthquakes; (2) this system can also enhance the integrity of loose sandy layer to reduce the settlement and lateral spreading of embankment; (3) the inclined piles effectively reduce pile head deformation by increasing the shear strength of the pile.

Numerical Investigation of Two Methods to Reduce the Settlement of a Light-Weight Highway Embankment on Soft Soils

The development of road and highway networks sometimes involves passing through compressible soils of poor quality. Given their mechanical properties as foundation soils, these soils are characterized by low short-term shear strength, expressed by undrained cohesion, which increases during soil consolidation, and are also characterized by significant compressibility, resulting in large-scale settlements when a load is applied to them. Nowadays, there are reinforcement methods that make it possible to execute these structures while limiting the risks of instability. This study consists of the numerical analysis of a light-weight embankment of a highway section built on soft soils. Two reinforcement methods are investigated to support the embankment layers and reduce settlement. Interest is given to the behavior of the soils in place before and after the installation of the adopted reinforcement. The analysis is carried out in such a way as to show the importance of the complete consolidation of the soils in place in the long term, which makes it possible to take into account the dissipation of the pore pressures.

Stabilization of expansive soil for highway embankment: a critical review

Stabilization of expansive soil for highway embankment: a critical review

Highway embankment fragility behaviour subjected to liquefaction-induced settlement

Highway embankment fragility behaviour subjected to liquefaction-induced settlement

Failure mechanism in a highway embankment founded on a sloping tectonised flysch formation

A highway embankment founded on a slope in a tectonised flysch formation of the Apennines chain (Central Italy) has been affected for about 30 years by continuous slow movements that caused some fractures on the road paving thus requiring periodic maintenance works. Due to the relevance of the damaged infrastructure, different investigation and monitoring campaigns have been carried out to collect information about the properties of the involved soils, the groundwater regime and the displacement field. Field monitoring, in particular, revealed that the movements were the result of a failure mechanism affecting both the embankment and the foundation soils. In particular, the observed displacements showed a weather-induced seasonal trend featured by acceleration/deceleration stages during the wet/dry periods. In order to better understand the detected mechanical response, a numerical model accounting for a soil hydrological balance of the interested area has been developed allowing a reliable historical reconstruction of the displacement regime.