Analysis of Stress Distribution under Embankments on Soft Foundations

摘要

Louisiana, by the very nature of its geologic formation, has many deposits which are composed of unconsolidated, soft saturated soils. During this study a thorough review of the literature was made in the fields of embankment design and model studies. Several methods and materials were studied as possible models representing muck. It was found that gelatin was the most suitable representative material. A technique was developed for the construction of the model muck and model embankments. All dimensions were chosen to represent geometric and physical characteristics of prototype muck and actual embankments. Embankments with and without berms were constructed in trenched and untrenched spections. The construction sequences of embankments (loading patterns) were studied and various types of embankment material (cohesive and non-cohesive) were used to duplicate prototype construction and material characteristics. Displacements and stresses developed and the results were compared with the classical Boussinsque approach. Also the feasibility of producing a numerical analysis approach to the problem of large displacements was studied. (BPR abstract)