Differential settlements affecting transition zones between bridges and road embankments on soft soils: Numerical analysis of maintenance scenarios by multi-source monitoring data assimilation

Differential settlements can affect transition zones between bridges and road embankments in countries where very compressible soft soil layers are widespread in the subsoil. The related damage makes these locations the most maintenance-prone locations, resulting in high direct and indirect costs for the road owner and the road users as well. Accordingly, approaches capable of analysing current conditions and forecasting future settlement scenarios associated with different possible maintenance operations can turn out to be a valuable tool for the road network management process. With reference to a case study representing typical conditions in the Netherlands, this paper proposes the proof of concept of a novel multi-source data-driven method that exploits the assimilation of settlement data – acquired by both conventional and satellite DInSAR monitoring techniques – in simplified geotechnical modelling. The forecasted settlement scenarios can support informed road maintenance decisions within risk mitigation strategies.