Physical Modelling of Basal Reinforced Piled Embankments: Five Key factors and Project Insights
Physical Modelling of Basal Reinforced Piled Embankments: Five Key factors and Project Insights
Physical model tests of basal reinforced piled embankments (BRPEs) face challenges in representing prototype behaviour and producing useful results. This study identifies five key factors for successful BRPE modelling: boundary effects, soil stress levels, subsoil behaviour, basal reinforcement modelling, and measurement strategies. Within the PEBSTER project, small- and large-scale tests with basal steel mesh reinforcement (SR) investigated soil arching and fill deformation. Measurements included total pile loads, stresses above and below the SR, and three-dimensional strains of both SR and soil. Comparison with the Concentric Arches model shows good agreement for soil arching and SR deformation, confirming its suitability for design applications.
Marc Schneider; Suzanne Van Eekelen; Marylin Hell; Paul Pandrea; Michal Topolnicki; H. Zachert
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 2: Scaling laws and fundamentals
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-189