Finite-Element Parametric Study of the Consolidation Behavior of a Trial Embankment on Soft Clay

The paper presents a case study for numerical analysis of the consolidation behavior of an instrumented trial embankmentconstructed on a soft soil foundation. Details are given to the geological profile, field instrumentation, laboratory test results, anddetermination of soil parameters for numerical modeling. Embankment settlement is estimated based on one-dimensional consolidationanalysis and nonlinear finite-element analysis following Biot’s consolidation theory. Finite-element results are calibrated against themeasured field data for a period of more than 3 years. Development and dissipation of excess pore pressure, long-term settlement, andhorizontal displacement are predicted and discussed in light of sensitivity of embankment performance to some critical factors through aparametric study.