3D Numerical Investigation of the Behavior of an Embankment Resting on a Compressible Soil Reinforced with Rigid Inclusions
摘要
The rigid inclusion technique consists in transferring structural loads to a more resistant soil layer through rigid inclusions that pass through the compressible soil, combined with a granular mattress placed between the inclusion network and the structure. This study focuses on the numerical modeling of the behavior of an embankment resting on compressible soil, reinforced with rigid inclusions and a load transfer mattress. The study is divided into two parts: in the first part, a unit cell is used for the study, and a parametric study is carried out to evaluate the influence of several parameters, including the construction phases of the embankment, the diameter of the inclusions, and the mechanical properties of the transfer mattress. In the second part, the behavior of the model is investigated using a 3D modeling approach to assess the group effect of the inclusions. The results obtained from both parts of the study show that increasing the diameter of the inclusions has a beneficial effect. It leads to a higher concentration of stresses at the head of the columns and reduces the load transmitted to the soft soil. The reduction in settlement reaches approximately 86% in the unit cell model and 79% between inclusions in the 3D model. This reduction is more significant when the stiffness, cohesion, and friction angle of the granular mattress are improved. Moreover, in the 3D model, the horizontal displacements of the inclusions decrease with depth; the outer and intermediate inclusions experience positive horizontal displacements, while the internal inclusion undergoes a negative displacement and withstands the maximum stress concentrations. In conclusion, the use of rigid inclusions decreases settlement and effectively enhances the stability of embankments constructed on compressible soils.