Geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankments: theoretical discussion of finite difference numerical analyses results

Piled foundations are commonly employed to reduce settlements of artificial earth embankments on soft soil strata and geosynthetic reinforcements installed at the embankment base increase pile spacing construction costs. Despite well-documented effectiveness this technique, mechanical processes, developing during in different elements constituting ‘geo-structure’, not fully understood design approaches based very simplified assumptions. They disregard deformability various system cannot be estimate settlements. With aim introducing a displacement-based approach optimise use piles, article, response is studied by means large displacement non-linear finite difference numerical analyses, which reinforcement modelled as an elastic membrane. The arching effect within body described evolution process zone, where shear strains localise, discussed. global terms (i) average, (ii) differential top (iii) maximum tensile force reinforcement.