Analysis of Railway Embankment Supported with Geosynthetic-Encased Stone Columns in Soft Clays: A Case Study

Abstract

Construction on soft soils is a promising task, as it is necessary for engineers to overcome challenges of excess settlements and possible bearing failure. This paper deals with proposing a suitable ground improvement technique as a remedy for an already failed railway embankment and evaluating the performance of the proposed technique both in short-and long-term periods. Based on the prevailing site conditions (i.e. poor shear strength) and obligatory to complete the work within the stipulated time, it is found that geosynthetic-encased stone column (ESC) is a preferred ground improvement technique. An extensive 2D finite element analysis has been undertaken to examine the improvement in bearing capacity concurrently addressing slope stability problem for different column spacing of 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 m. Interpretation of results revealed that bearing capacity and stability are critical in the short-term period. The results further demonstrated that ESCs by undergoing lateral deflection and bulging, which are found to predominate in the short-term period, sustained the failure against bearing capacity and stability. The spacing of 3 m when considered bearing capacity alone and 2.5 m corresponding to lateral deflection alone is found optimal. Based on the outcome of the study, it is demonstrated that the proposed ESC is an ideal solution of ground improvement for the present case study of failed railway embankment.

Numerical simulation of bending characteristics of geosynthetic encased stone column

“…GESCs have been widely used as a new soft soil foundation treatment method in soft soil foundation dams and embankment projects [3][4][5][6][7]. However, relevant design calculation methods have not yet been established mainly because the deformation and failure mechanisms have not been fully explored.…”

Performance of Artificial Neural Network and Modified Gravitational Search Algorithm Models to Predict Vibration Response of Geocell Reinforced Based Weak Sand

“…The primary component affecting high-speed train track and ground responses is the interplay of train loads and Rayleigh surface waves on the railway embankment and track bed [1][2][3]. One of the most crucial elements in explaining, forecasting, or predicting a track reaction and considering the proper remedial action is the bed's Rayleigh wave velocity.…”

Investigation of Smear Zone Around PVD Mandrel Using Image-Based Analysis

“…Construction of highways or embankments over these soft subsoils leads to excessive settlements. Different techniques to treat soft soils have been developed by various researchers, such as deep soil mixing [1,2], stone columns [3], geosynthetic-encased stone columns [4], and installation of prefabricated vertical drains [5][6][7]. Accelerated pre-consolidation by preloading and vertical drains is one of the earliest and most widely used techniques for improving soft soils.…”