Numerical analysis of embankments on soft clay supported with cement-mixed columns

Abstract

Embankments constructed over soft soil are susceptible to bearing capacity failures, intolerable settlements and lateral stability problems. Therefore, columns supported with soil-cement mix (DCM) platform restrict the vertical deformation of the structure and lateral displacements. Soil arching has a significant effect on the behavior of columns-supported embankments. Therefore, the mixing of soil with cement as a load transfer platform enhances the performance of embankments. A numerical study is conducted to investigate the performance of soil-cement mix column supported embankment subjected to static loading. The effectiveness of the soil-cement mix is examined by comparing the lateral displacement and settlement for three cases: embankment on DCM columns with load-transfer platform, embankments on DCM columns only, and stone columns. Stress contours and stress variations are presented to show soil arching during the embankment construction. It is observed that the inclusion of soilcement mix at the load platform and below the embankment reduces the settlement and lateral displacement by 73% and 38%, respectively, as compared to stone columns.