Understanding Soft Soil Stability Challenges in Dutch Railways through Centrifuge Modelling

Publication Title
Understanding Soft Soil Stability Challenges in Dutch Railways through Centrifuge Modelling

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental design and rationale behind the Reliable Embankments for Safe Expansion in Rail Traffic (RESET) centrifuge test series, conducted at Deltares to investigate embankment stability under controlled strength and stiffness contrast. The tests are part of a broader research program between ProRail, TU Delft, and Deltares, aimed at improving geotechnical stability assessments for railway infrastructure. Using a scaling factor of 1:50 and centrifugal acceleration of 50g, physical models of a representative Dutch railway embankment were tested to failure under displacement-controlled loading conditions. Key variables include subsoil stiffness, loading rate, embankment height, and presence of a trackside ditch. Kaolin clay was used for subsoil consistency, while failure mechanisms are captured via high-resolution imaging and sensor arrays. Preliminary observations confirm sensitivity of the failure load to stiffness contrast. The results provide a benchmark dataset for validating FEM predictions and advancing numerical models (both finite elements and limit equilibrium) for serviceability-based design.

Authors
Cihan Cengiz; Cor Zwanenburg; Timo Schweckendiek; Agnes Van Uitert

Published In

11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)

Theme

Session 3: Resilient geotechnical infrastructure