Load Displacement Compatibility Method for Design of Column-Supported Embankments: Comparison to Case Histories
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Sloan, Joel
Gallant, Aaron
McGuire, Michael
Issue Date
2019-03
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Column-supported embankments (CSEs), with or without a geosynthetic-reinforced load transfer platform, are used in fill scenarios over soft soils to prevent excessive settlement and/or damage to adjacent in-service facilities. CSEs transfer embankment loads to an array of columns as arching mechanisms develop above and below the foundation subgrade level. Load-transfer mechanisms, including mobilization of shear strength in the soil and engagement of geosynthetics in the lower embankment fill, develop as differential settlement between the stiff columns and soft foundation material occurs at the base of the embankment. The load displacement compatibility (LDC) method offers designers the ability to simultaneously couple these load transfer mechanisms and quickly explore the influence of design assumptions (e.g. column spacing, soil compressibility, geosynthetic stiffness, etc.) on load distribution and deformations. The LDC method is publically-available in the spreadsheet “GeogridBridge,” and requires input parameters that are typically estimated during site investigation and construction over soft ground. In contrast to other methods which neglect subsoil support entirely or include subsoil support via a modulus of subgrade reaction, the method employs 1-D consolidation of the subsoil between columns and captures the downdrag of the subsoil on the columns. This paper compares published field measurements and numerical modeling of vertical stress, geogrid strain, and subsoil settlement with computed LDC results from two case histories: one in China and one in the United States. The LDC method shows good agreement with stress measurements, geogrid strain, and subsoil settlement from the case histories with significantly less computational time and expense than numerical methods.
Description
Citation
Sloan, Joel & McGuire, Michael & Gallant, Aaron. (2019). Load Displacement Compatibility Method for Design of Column-Supported Embankments: Comparison to Case Histories. 37-47. 10.1061/9780784482162.004.
Publisher
ASCE