Influence of geosynthetic reinforcement on the progressive failure of rigid columns under an embankment load.

Prior investigations have revealed that the stress characteristics of columns at different locations beneath an embankment vary. A failed column releases stress and causes significant increases in the stresses within neighbouring columns, possibly leading to progressive failure of adjacent columns and global failure of the embankment. Prior studies have presented insights into the progressive failure of column-supported embankments. However, limited insight has been provided into the progressive failure mechanism of geosynthetic-reinforced and rigid column-supported embankments. In this technical note, the effects of geosynthetic reinforcement on progressive failure are numerically analysed. A comparison of the progressive failure of rigid columns with and without geosynthetic reinforcement is first conducted. The restraining effects of geosynthetics on progressive failure of the columns and the influence of geosynthetic tensile stiffness on embankment stability are analysed. The results reveal that progressive failure is primarily governed by the distribution of the bending moment and the axial force within the columns. To further investigate the contribution of geosynthetics to resisting progressive failure of rigid columns, the internal forces in the columns and tensile strains in the geosynthetics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]