Three-dimensional modelling of an embankment built on a soft soil improved with prefabricated vertical drains

Abstract

This work compares the field measurements of a non-symmetric embankment built on a Portuguese soft soil improved with prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs), with the numerical predictions of a 3D modelling where the PVDs are simulated according to the field flow conditions. The change in the permeability with the void ratio and the effect of the smear zone are also included in the numerical analysis. The numerical predictions are compared with the field data in terms of settlement, horizontal displacement and excess pore pressure. In general, the numerical results are very close to the field measurements, namely in terms of vertical and horizontal deformations.