Dynamic Analysis of Geosynthetic-reinforced Pile-supported Embankment for a High-Speed Rail

Abstract

Geosynthetic-Reinforced-Pile-Supported (GRPS) embankments are a trustworthy option ideal to support the railways over soft soils. They are widely used for the time-bound infrastructure projects. The majority of earlier research concentrated on the analysis of the GRPS embankments under static loads while the studies on the behavior of these constructions under dynamic loads are scarce. The fundamental purpose of this study has been to better comprehend the dynamic behavior of GRPS embankments in terms of stresses and settlements distribution via 3D modeling employing the finite element method (FEM). The advanced constitutive model of Hardening soil with small-strain stiffness was utilized to simulate the behavior of the soils under dynamic loads and the train load was modeled according to the recommendations of LM71 Eurocode. The results indicate to the contribution of the piles and geosynthetic reinforcement in the decrease of the settlements. The behavior of settlements and stresses under static and dynamic loads is similar. The load efficiency of the piles decreases during the passage of the train remarkably. The train speed affects obviously on the behavior of the GRPS embankment.