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ABSTRACT: The design and construction of embankment over very soft compressible alluvial deposits has
always been a challenging task for Engineers. This paper presents a set of guidelines for the design and
selection of construction methods for embankment taking into considerations of safety, direct and indirect
costs, duration of completion and other cost benefits. Various commonly used ground treatment techniques
are also briefly discussed.
Page 1
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
Page 2
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
The stability of the embankment is commonly The stability of the embankment is analysed based
assessed using a limit equilibrium analysis. It is only on the available undrained shear strength (su)
important in stability analysis of the embankment to of the subsoil prior to start of construction, taking
consider different potential failure surfaces, circular no account of any increase in strength after
and non-circular, as shown in Figure 4. This is consolidation. The su can be based on the results of
because circular failure surfaces may not yield the unconsolidated undrained triaxial compression tests
lowest factor of safety (FOS), particularly for (UU), isotropically consolidated undrained triaxial
embankments on thin clay layers or where discrete compression tests (CIU), vane tests or Piezocone
weaker layers occur, where translational failure (CPTU).
generally dominates. The FOS against failure is
usually defined as :
s 4.2.2 Effective Stress Analysis
FOS =
τ The stability of the embankment can be only be
Where analysed using an effective stress approach,
s = Average shear strength available along the provided that both the total stresses and pore water
failure surface. pressures can be estimated. The available shear
τ = Average shear stress applied along the failure strength, s, along the shear plane can be obtained as:
surface. s = c’ + σn’tanφ’
where c’ and φ’define the Mohr-Coulomb effective
stress failure envelope and
σn’ = σn - ur
where σn is the total normal stress and ur is the pore
pressure at failure.
It should be noted that effective stress analysis
will lead to a more favourable (optimistic, higher
Figure 4 : Circular & Non-Circular Failure FOS) assessment of the stability than the use of
Surfaces undrained analysis (Ladd, 1991).
Page 3
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
There is a few ways to estimate the ratio of su/σv’: In carrying out stability analyses, it is necessary
a) su/σv’ = 0.11 + 0.0037 PI to estimate the magnitude of settlement which
For normally consolidated clay, the ratio tends to occurs during construction so that the thickness of
increase with plasticity indeed (PI) (Skempton, the fill can be designed to ensure stability. An
1957). iterative process is required in the estimation of
b) su(mob)/σp’ = 0.22; settlement because the extra fill (more load)
where su(mob) is the undrained shear strength required to compensate for settlement will lead to
mobilised on the failure surface in the field, and σp’ further settlement.
is the preconsolidation pressure (yield stress) Usually the assumptions of one-dimensional
(Mesri, 1988). consolidation are generally valid for embankment
Unlike effective stress method, the pore water which have widths greater than the thickness of the
pressures set up during shearing to failure need not compressible soil layer; Davis and Poulos (1972).
be estimated, thus eliminating an unknown in the This paper only covers the one-dimensional
design procedure. This method is most commonly problem
used in the analysis of short term stability and For clay layer of larger thickness, horizontal
design of staged construction. flow of pore-water may be more significant and the
one-dimensional theory tends to underestimate the
rate of consolidation. The two-dimensional
4.2.4 Factor of Safety consolidation can be solved numerically using
solutions proposed by Terzaghi (1923) and
The factor of safety to be used in the stability Rendulic (1936), as described by Murray (1971 and
analysis will depend on the following factors : 1974)
- Method of analysis
- Reliability of the design method
- Reliability of the design soil parameters 4.3.1 Magnitude of Settlement
- Consequences of failure in terms of human
life and economic loss. When a load of finite dimensions is rapidly
O’Riordan & Seaman (1993) reports that applied to a saturated clay, the resulting settlement
BS6031:1981 gives no specific values or method for can be conveniently divided into three stages :
soil strength determination for use in embankment (A) Initial Settlement (also called immediate or
design. It only refers to a range of factor of safety undrained or shear settlement), ρi
between 1.3 and 1.4 for cut slopes. (B) Primary Consolidation Settlement, ρc
Generally in practice, the factor of safety on (C) Secondary Compression, ρs
shear strength (FOS) from total stress or undrained
strength analyses used in temporary stage is usually
taken as between 1.2 to 1.3. FOS of 1.4 and 1.5 are (A) Initial Settlement, ρi
normally adopted in effective stress analyses of
embankment for permanent stage. It should be During application of the load, excess pore
noted that designing with low FOS increases the pressures will set up in the clay, but relatively little
possibility of large vertical and lateral ground drainage of water will occur since the clay has a low
deformations and also risk of failure. permeability.
Estimation of initial settlement can be carried
out using elastic displacement theory as :
4.3 Settlement Calculation 1
ρi = ( I ⋅ q )dh
EU
Settlement of the subsoil supporting the
embankment will take place during and after filling. Where
It is necessary to evaluate both the magnitude and q = Applied Stress / Pressure on the subsoil
rate of settlement of the subsoil supporting the (kPa).
embankment when designing the embankment so dh = thickness of each layer (m).
that the settlement in the long term will not Eu = Undrained Young’s Modulus of the subsoil
influence the serviceability of the embankment. (kPa)
I = Influence factor
Page 4
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
i of n.
A useful chart is given by Osterberg (1957) and eo = Initial voids ratio
shown in Figure 5. The chart allows estimation of CC = Compression Index
the initial settlement of the embankment. Cr = Recompression Index
With time, the excess pore water pressures dissipate (C) Secondary Compression, ρs
as drainage occurs and the clay undergoes further
settlement due to volume changes as stress is Even after complete dissipation of the excess pore
transferred from pore pressure u to effective stress. pressures and the effective stresses are about
The rate of volume change and corresponding constant, there will generally be further volume
settlement is governed by how fast the water can changes and increased settlement which is termed
drain out of the clay under the induced hydraulic as Secondary Compression.
gradients. n
C
One dimensional primary consolidation ρs = [ α log(t )]H i
i =1 1 + e p
settlement can be estimated using the expression :
where
n
C σ 'p C σ'
vf
ρc = [ r log + C log ]H i ρs = Secondary Compression Magnitude (m)
i =1 1 + eo σ'vo 1 + eo σ'
vc Hi = Initial thickness of incremental soil layer, i
where of n.
ρc = Consolidation Settlement Magnitude (m) ep = Voids ratio at the end of primary
σ’vo = Initial vertical effective stress consolidation
σ’vf = Final vertical effective stress Cα = Secondary Compression Index.
= σ’vo + ∆ σ’v ≥ σ’vc t = Time for calculation.
σ’vc= Preconsolidation Pressure / Yield Stress Other than oedometer tests, the secondary
Hi = Initial thickness of incremental soil layer, compression ratio or Modified Secondary
Page 5
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
Compression Index, (Cα /(1+ ep)) can be estimated together with mv from laboratory oedometer
from the relationship proposed by Mesri (1973) as consolidation tests :
shown in Figure 7. cv = k / (mv γw)
where
k = permeability from field permeability tests
(m/sec)
mv = coefficient of compressibility (m2/kN)
γw = density of water (kN/m3)
The use of field values of k will give a better
representative effects of large scale soil structure
and permeability, not able to be reflected in
laboratory tests. Since the permeability and
compressibility of the soil reduce with increase in
effective stress (under embankment loading), the
value of cv should be modified to reflect the state of
stress over the period during which settlement rates
are being calculated.
− π 2 TV
Uv = 1 - 82 exp 5.1 Modification of Embankment Geometry
π 4
for Tv = cv t / HD ≥ 0.2
2 Reduction of slope angle or construction of
The coefficient of consolidation, cv, can be counterweight berms improves the stability of the
obtained from oedometer tests at the levels of embankment by increasing the length of potential
effective stress similar to those anticipated under failure surfaces in the soft soils as shown in Figure
embankment loading. Another reliable way to 10. The weight of the shallow slope or berm
determine cv is from field in-situ permeability tests counter-balances the disturbing moment on
potential failure surfaces under the embankment.
Page 6
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
No
Stability satisfactory?
Yes
No Settlements
satisfactory?
Yes
Consider alternative
construction methods
MODIFY THE EMBANKMENT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL STRUCTURAL IMPROVE THE GROUND UNDER
LOAD ON THE GROUND SUPPORT TO THE EMBANKMENT THE EMBANKMENT
Flatter slopes Internal reinforcement Pre-load the ground
Berms Support piles Surcharge the embankment
Lightweight fills Sheet piles Staged construction
excavate and replace soft
soil
Vertical drains
Reject unsuitable methods Stone columns
Vibro - concrete columns
Lime columns
Jet grouting
Identity potential combinations of methods
No
Stability satisfactory?
No
Yes
Yes No
No
Reject method
Other constraints
satisfactory?
Yes
No
Page 7
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
The fill should be raised equally across the 5.2 Excavation and Replacement of Soft Soils
embankment. However this method has a (Total or Partial)
disadvantage of greater land-take and volume of fill
materials are needed. This method is very old but still viable. The very
soft compressible cohesive soils are excavated out
and replaced with better materials (e.g. compacted
sand or suitable fill) that provide a stronger and less
compressible foundation. The experience on
highway construction in West Malaysia indicates
that the excavation and replacement depth up to a
maximum depth of 4.5m is viable in terms of cost
and practicability. Usually the excavation should
extend to at least to the toe of the embankment and
beyond to increase the stability of the embankment.
If the soft material is much deeper than the
practical excavation depth, partial excavation and
replacement is also possible. However the effect on
stability and long term settlement of the remaining
soft material should be considered. Sometimes
partial excavation and replacement of soft material
is used with other ground treatment to overcome the
above problems.
This method will be more difficult if the
groundwater level is high. If pumping of water not
practical, then compacted suitable material cannot
Figure 10 : (A) Reduction in Slope Angle (B) be used and underwater replacement materials
Using Berms (granular materials) should be used. These
Page 8
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
materials shall be of a grading that it is effectively materials are laid above the ground surface as
self-compacting. The main disadvantage of the platform for the movement of the plant and also as
method is the amount of soft soil which needs to be drainage layer. Pre-fabricated drains are usually left
disposed. about 150mm above the initial drainage layer prior
to placing further drainage material.
Page 9
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
Page 10
Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
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Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
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Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
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Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
investigation and laboratory testing to Gue, S.S. & Tan, Y.C (2000). “Subsurface
acquire the necessary reliable parameters Investigation and Interpretation of Test Results
for geotechnical designs. for Foundation Design in Soft Clay”. Seminar
• Proper geotechnical design to address both on Ground Improvement – Soft Clay (SOGISC-
stability of the embankment and control of 2000), 23rd & 24th August 2000, UTM, Kuala
deformation. Lumpur.
• Full time proper supervision of the Hansbo, S. (1981) “Consolidation of Fine-Grained
construction works by qualified personnel / Soils by Prefabricated Drains”. Paper 12/22 :
engineer. Proc. 10th Intl. Conf. Soil. Mech. Found. Engrg.,
• Careful and proper monitoring on the Stockholm, Swedan, 3, 677-682.
performance of the embankment during and Janbu, N. (1972) “Slope Stability Computations”.
after construction through instrumentation Embankment Deam Engineering: Casagrande
scheme. Vol., John Wiley & Sons, New York, pp.47-86.
Ladd, C.C. (1991) “Stability Evaluation during
Staged Construction”. ASCE, JGED, Vol.117,
No.4, pp.540-615.
REFERENCES Ladd, C.C. & Foott, R.F. (1974) “New Design
Procedure for Stability of Soft Clays”. ASCE,
Asaoka, A. (1978) “Observational Procedure of
JGED, Vol.117, No.4, pp.540-615.
Settlement Prediction”. Soils and Foundations,
Matsuo, M. & Kawamura, K. (1977) “Diagram for
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Construction Control of Embankment on Soft
Balasubramaniam, A.S. & Brenner, R.P. (1981)
Ground”. Soils and Foundations, Vol. 17, No. 3,
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pp:37-52
Soft Clay Engineering (Development in
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Bishop, A.W. (1955) “The use of the Slip Circle in
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Davis, E.H. & Poulos, H.G. (1972) “Rate of
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Neoh, C.A. (1999) ”Planning of Site Investigation
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and Insitu Testing”. Short Course on Soil
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Raj, J.K. & Singh, M. (1990) “Unconsolidated
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Geotechnical Engineering 2005
Embankment over Soft Clay – Design and Construction Control.
by : Ir. Tan Yean Chin 30-31 May 2005
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