THE BEHAVIOUR AND ANALYSIS OF EMBANKMENTS ON SOFT CLAY --SPECIAL PUBLICATION: EMBANKMENTS ON SOFT CLAYS

The analysis of embankments constructed on soft ground has become one of the classical problems of modern soil mechanics. The aim of this chapter is to present a critical review of the approaches that have been developed to predict four principles of aspects of embankment behaviour: (a) overall stability; (b) ground settlements and their variation with time; (c) the horizontal displacements developed at various stages adjacent to the embankment; and (d) the response of the structure to future loading after a period of consolidation and settlement. The material is presented under main headings that deal with aspects of behaviour. A review of the principal features of embankment behaviour is given first, provided by a section on the analytical methods for predicting deformations, more pressures and stresses developed during single stage embankment construction. The third section of the chapter considers the inter-related topics of methods of analysis and ways of characterising strength and stability. Most attention is focussed on limit equilibrium methods, but consideration is also given to plasticity solutions, elasto-plastic finite element analysis and results from bearing capacity theory. Consolidation analysis is covered in section 4. The relationships between the stress states developed in the foundation and stability during multi stage construction are then reviewed. For the covering abstract of the publication see IRRD 816247.