Thin embankments on soft soil reinforced with rigid inclusions: rolling load tests
Thin embankments on soft soil reinforced with rigid inclusions: rolling load tests
The effect of rolling loads on a thin granular platform, founded on soft soil reinforced with rigid inclusions, was studied using physical models reduced to 1/10th scale and centrifuged at 10´g, in 2D, a first step in the understanding of load transfer mechanisms, and then in 3D. Some test results are presented here. These physical models consist of a sand platform, possibly reinforced with a geogrid, a similar loose soil made of expanded polystyrene, and regularly spaced vertical metal inclusions. The coverage ratio of the inclusions is 10% in 2D and 4.52% in 3D. The assembly is placed in a rigid container with a transparent face in order to analyze the images of the rolling load and deduce the internal deformations. Traffic modeling is performed using a roller of variable length. One way rolling or two-ways rolling simulates linear traffic. The specific evolution of load transfer to the inclusion heads via the platform is shown. The arching and confinement effects of the geogrid in the platform are quantified using a tactile pad placed on the inclusion heads.
Thierry Dubreucq; Luc Thorel; A. Jagu; S. Lerat; A. Neel; P. Gaudicheau; P. Audrain
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 6: Onshore and offshore foundation systems
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-340