“Geosynthetic reinforced column supported embankments and the role of ground improvement installation effects”, Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Vol.55(6):792-809, 2018.
For geosynthetic reinforced column supported embankments (GRCSE) supporting a high embankment, the complex soil–structure–geosynthetic interaction necessitates the use of numerical analysis to assess embankment performance. However, traditional finite element method techniques used to model serviceability behaviour are limited in their ability to model ground improvement installation effects. The role that these installation effects have on the performance of the GRCSE is highlighted, by way of a case study, and the suitability of various numerical approaches currently used in design are discussed and recommendations made.