This work aims to make a comparison between field data and numerical simulation using the finite elements method (FEM) of the settlement of an embankment in a railroad expansion on soft soil using vertical synthetic drains. The construction was a railroad embankment, next to a pre-existent embankment, in Maranhão, Brazil. In this work can be noticed the influence of the old embankment over-consolidation process in the settlement data collected in the new embankment area. Settlement plates closer to the over-consolidated area presented smaller displacement values. Seeking an improvement of the compatibility between the settlement field’s data and numerical simulation results, a second analysis was done decreasing the permeability value of the clay layers above the construction. It provided a satisfactory result in the first analysis, until 259th day, in which the new embankment height increased 2,0 meters. After this period was added 4,7 meters in the embankment that provided mismatched results in terms of settlement, despite the settlement velocity agreement. The results showed the importance of the drainage system in an embankment construction over soft soil through the permeability variation effect. It also refers to the necessity of a careful field’s data treatment.
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