New insights into soil arching behaviour in column supported embankments

The observation of failure surfaces within column supported embankments is critical to understanding how the embankment stresses are transferred towards heads. In this study, finite element simulations utilising a strain softening constitutive model, non-local regularisation and Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation used examine these over various geometries. This methodology offers insights into nature mechanism, development plane equal settlement influence subsoil profile. Depending on geometry, results indicate either punching failure, inverted general bearing or localised develops. transition between found be closely related establishment embankment. height range mechanisms that develop were largely insensitive profiles simulated. These findings have implications for practical design efficient effective future experimental studies.