Analysis of Load Transfer in Geosynthetic-Reinforced Pile-Supported Embankments

Geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments (GRPSEs) have proven to be an effective and economical technique to address the problems posed during the construction of embankments on soft soil or other special soils. A numerical study has been conducted to investigate the soil arching effect of GRPSEs including load transfer on pile and soil. Numerical results show a significant correlation between the height of embankment, the pile spacing and the tensile stiffness of geogrid. An empirical model considering these factors based on a theoretical model is presented, which can reasonably calculate the vertical stress on the cushion and the foundation soil. The study on internal stress distribution in soil arching is also helpful for understanding the behavior of this embankment structure.