Smoother Transition of Approach Embankments Supported on Piles

摘要

The use of piles as settlement reducers to provide a smooth riding surface for approach embankments has been widely adopted. The success of the application of piles in the construction of approach embankments requires detail understanding of the complex response characteristics of the piled approach embankment. In this study, a simplified method of analysis to predict piled approach embankment responses has been adopted. Comparisons have been made on the responses of approach embankments supported on various configurations of transition piles constructed on a deep homogenous soft soil layer. It appears that the gradual increase of the length of the transition piles towards the piled bridge abutment provides a better control to the settlement distribution of the approach embankment and able to provide a smoother transition between the lower end and the higher end of the approach embankment.