Basal Stability of Embankments and Earth Systems Supported on Rigid Inclusions

Details

• Creators:
  Gallant, Aaron ; Botero-Lopez, Danilo
• Corporate Creators:
  University of Maine. Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC)
• Corporate Contributors:
  United States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program ; United States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Earth Embankments Failure Finite Element Method Lateral Supports Mechanically Stabilized Earth Numerical Analysis Performance Rigid Structures Soils Stresses

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• Publication/ Report Number:
  69A3551847101
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Final Report
• Corporate Publisher:
  University of Maine. Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC)
• Abstract:
  This report presents a rational framework for evaluating the global stability of embankments and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) systems supported on rigid inclusions. A comprehensive three-dimensional finite element parametric study was conducted to identify the governing mechanisms controlling failure, stress redistribution, and lateral deformation. Results demonstrate that rigid columns do not provide meaningful lateral resistance at the ultimate limit state, but instead influence stability primarily through vertical load transfer mechanisms, including embankment arching and soil–column interaction at depth. Numerical analyses consistently revealed a non-circular, three-wedge failure mechanism and highlighted the importance of deformation compatibility between soils and fractured columns. Based on these findings, a simplified limit-equilibrium methodology—LEA-RISES—is developed, incorporating vertical stress modulation, realistic failure geometry, and strength reduction principles. The proposed approach is verified against finite element results and compared with existing limit-equilibrium methods, showing improved accuracy for both undrained and drained conditions. A companion design framework is introduced to couple global stability with lateral deformation and basal reinforcement performance.
• Format:
  PDF
• Collection(s):
  University Transportation Centers
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:62e16e91f9c04a0b6022eeadb8106575a36a5b1a07d704d147dd9b0bf0a26eb3ccce251f01a9e6a2bc9724302f76b12502cb22b89a4196f574079c7f9c8201ed
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/88846/dot_88846_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 5.21 MB ]