Stability of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Pile-Supported Embankments – is membrane or soil arching effect more important?

Abstract

The construction of roadways and railways over soft soil areas presents significant challenges for ground improvement techniques. Geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankment (GRPSE) systems offer a promising solution for meeting strict settlement and stability requirements in transportation infrastructure. These systems require a load transfer platform (LTP) between the piles and the embankment. As part of the French research project ASIRI+, a series of half-scale laboratory tests were conducted in a 4m × 4m test pit containing 16 piles. The experimental program evaluated the performance of granular LTPs with varying thicknesses, both with and without geosynthetic reinforcement. The results demonstrated that all geosynthetic-reinforced embankments achieved superior load transfer efficiency compared to unreinforced ones. The contribution of geosynthetic reinforcement became particularly pronounced under larger loads beyond working conditions. Among the reinforced configurations, thicker LTPs transferred greater loads to the pile heads than thinner platforms. Additionally, a numerical model developed using FLAC3D software was employed to simulate the experimental tests and investigate the load transfer mechanisms in GRPSE systems.