ANÁLISE NUMÉRICA DE TENSÃO-DEFORMAÇÃO DE UM ATERRO ESTAQUEADO REFORÇADO COM GEOGRELHA SOBRE SOLO COMPRESSÍVEL

Abstract

The construction of embankments over compressible soils raises significant concerns regarding displacements and stresses. To mitigate these issues, piled embankments present an interesting solution. This technique involves using piles to control settlements and transfer the embankment load to more resistant soil layers, as well as using geogrids to increase the efficiency of this process. In this context, this study employs numerical modeling to enhance the understanding of the role of pile and geogrid reinforcements in the stability of embankments over low-bearing-capacity soils. The model was based on a soil profile from the city of Uberaba, MG, which contains a 13 m layer of clay with low Nspt values, and followed traditional design methods before conducting a parametric analysis. The results indicated that the presence of piles and the height of the embankment were critical in controlling differential settlements. Additionally, the geogrid played a more decisive role in the safety against embankment failure than in settlement control. Finally, it is concluded that both reinforcement elements, piles and geogrid, contributed to the stability of the embankment on clayey soil.