Comparisons between predicted and observed behaviour of a geosynthetic reinforced abutment on soft soil

The use of soil reinforcement for the construction of embankments on soft soils has become an increasing practice. This paper presents comparisons between predicted and observed behaviour of a geogrid reinforced abutment on soft soil using a finite element code. The problem is quite complex in terms of geometry and soil conditions. The results obtained in the numerical simulation were compared to the results obtained from instrumentation. The numerical analysis was able to provide good comparisons between calculated and measured vertical displacements and maximum excess pore pressures using back-calculated consolidation properties. However, significant deviations were observed for horizontal displacements and reinforcement forces. Despite some limitations of the numerical tool employed, the results obtained showed that the design could have been improved had such numerical analysis been carried out.