Laboratory model experiments on pile embankments with geo-synthetics

Laboratory model tests were performed to investigate the vertical loads transferred on the piles by mobilizing soil arching in pilesupported sand fills. In the model tests, model piles were inserted through the holes in a steel plate, which could be operated up and down. Geosynthetic reinforcement was laid on the pile caps below sand fills. The settlement of soft ground was simulated by lowering down the plate after final sand filling. The soil arching was mobilized in the embankments when the plate was lowered down. The loads acting on pile cap and the tensile strain in geosynthetics were measured by data logging system. Model tests showed that the loads transferred on pile caps by soil arching increased with settlement of the soft ground rapidly. In cases of without geosynthetics, the loads acting on pile caps dropped to the residual value after reaching peak value, whereas loads on pile gradually increased to constant value in cases of piled embankment with geosynthetics. Also the tensile strain in geosynthetic increased with the increase in the displacement of soft ground simulated by the settlement plate.