A simple analytical and sufficiently approximate method has been devised for estimating the extent of maximum embankment settlement caused by cross-section road widening. For this purpose a series of numerical calculations was carried out by means of simplified approaches using traditional methods for settlement assessment. The values of the main parameters involved in the calculations were varied, which included the extent of the widening, the embankment height, the stiffness both of the subsoil as well as of the materials forming the embankment. The comparison with calculation findings made by a finite element model proved that the settlements obtained through the simplified approaches are sufficiently well approximated. Regression analyses of the results obtained with the simplified approach were developed in order to find out relationships which directly provided the values of the maximum settlement in function of the geometry of the system and of the material properties. After this, both traditional as well as innovative engineering techniques which are used for reducing consolidation settlements and their effects on the practical functionality of the infrastructure affected by the widening, were analysed. In this way a solution was devised that appears to be the most effective one, that consists in reducing the weight load on the foundation level, through the use of light materials, such as expanded clay, for the construction of the new embankment. Moreover, an assessment was made of the induced consolidation settlements, demonstrating the efficacy of the solution regarding those cases where crushed gravel or “pozzolana” is used.

A METHOD FOR ASSESSING EMBANKMENT SETTLEMENT DUE TO THE WIDENING OF ROAD CROSS-SECTION

CALIENDO, Ciro;
2003-01-01

Abstract

A simple analytical and sufficiently approximate method has been devised for estimating the extent of maximum embankment settlement caused by cross-section road widening. For this purpose a series of numerical calculations was carried out by means of simplified approaches using traditional methods for settlement assessment. The values of the main parameters involved in the calculations were varied, which included the extent of the widening, the embankment height, the stiffness both of the subsoil as well as of the materials forming the embankment. The comparison with calculation findings made by a finite element model proved that the settlements obtained through the simplified approaches are sufficiently well approximated. Regression analyses of the results obtained with the simplified approach were developed in order to find out relationships which directly provided the values of the maximum settlement in function of the geometry of the system and of the material properties. After this, both traditional as well as innovative engineering techniques which are used for reducing consolidation settlements and their effects on the practical functionality of the infrastructure affected by the widening, were analysed. In this way a solution was devised that appears to be the most effective one, that consists in reducing the weight load on the foundation level, through the use of light materials, such as expanded clay, for the construction of the new embankment. Moreover, an assessment was made of the induced consolidation settlements, demonstrating the efficacy of the solution regarding those cases where crushed gravel or “pozzolana” is used.
2003
9788895028873
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11386/1003164
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