Analysis of Geosynthetic Reinforced Pile Supported Embankments | K Rajagopal | IACMAG

Описание: Title: Analysis of Geosynthetic Reinforced Pile Supported Embankments

Abstract:
Embankments constructed on soft soils undergo large deformations and lateral movements which result in long construction delays and premature failure. Several researches in the past have shown that Geosynthetic Reinforced Piled Embankment Systems (GRPES) is an attractive solution for such problems. This system consists of horizontal layers of geosynthetic reinforcement, embankment and piles. In this paper, physical model study using centrifuge facility and finite element based numerical study using ABAQUS finite element program have been discussed. The paper discusses the deformation behavior at the foundation soil surface and at the pile head with variation in length of the piles at the end of embankment construction. The paper also compares the axisymmetric model results with the full 3D model. Axisymmetric model under predicts the settlement by 21% at the pile head and 14% at the soil surface when compared to full 3D model. The settlement values at the pile head and at the soil surface increases with time. However, the difference in the percentage increase in settlements at the pile head and soil surface is more for axisymmetric model when compared to full 3D model. Centrifuge studies gave a higher value of percentage increase in settlement. The paper also studies the pressure acting on the pile and soil surface and tensile force in the geogrid. The results of parametric studies using axi-symmetric and 3D column model are presented to investigate the influence of friction angle, cohesion and number of reinforcement layers. The results are compared with several analytical models available. Keywords: Embankment, Soft clay, Friction pile, Geogrid, Axisymmetric model, Centrifuge model

Speaker Bio:
Prof. K. Rajagopal did his B.Tech. in Civil Engineering from JNTU College of Engineering, Kakinada in 1979 and completed his M.Tech. in Ocean Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Madras 1981. Later in 1985, he received his Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. He was a research Associate Military Engineering Research Group from 1986-93 and later as Associate Professor and Professor respectively at IIT Madras in the Civil Engineering Department. Professor’s research interest includes Geosynthetics, Reinforced soil structures, Finite element, analysis in geomechanics and Construction in soft grounds. He has various publications at his credit both national and international and these were well received. Some of his sponsored research project includes Studies on Geosynthetic Based Erosion Control Measures, Investigations on Vacuum Consolidation of Soft Clay Soils, Investigations on the Anchored Retaining Walls for Railway and Highway Applications, Strength and Stiffness of Geocell Reinforced Soft Soil Subgrades etc and Provided consultancy services for the design of shallow and deep foundations, stone columns, geosynthetic reinforced soil embankments and retaining walls, landfills, recommendations for remedial actions. Currently he is guiding PhD and M.Tech students.
His professional activities include Chairman of Asian Activity Committee, International Geosynthetics Society (from January 2016), Council Member, International Geosynthetics Society, USA, 2010-2018, Various accolades received by professor include Achievement Award by International Geosynthetics Society, Best Paper award for the paper titled “Finite Element Study of the Subsidence in Longwall Coal Mines” published in Journal of Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling Technology in 2001, Commemorative Award on the occasion of Two Decades of Geosynthetics in India by Central Board of Irrigation and Power.