Laboratory, in situ and full-scale load tests to assess flood embankment stability on peat
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Zwanenburg, C
Jardine, RJ
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The low submerged unit weights of peats usually lead to low effective self-weight stresses, stiffnesses and undrained shear strengths. These features, in combination with high compressibility, a propensity to creep and the uncertain effects of fibrous inclusions, make foundation stability hard to assess reliably. It is usual to apply high safety, or strong material reduction, factors in foundation design. However, over-conservatism can lead to undesirable environmental and financial costs. This paper describes full-scale field tests conducted on peat, with and without pre-loading, at Uitdam on the borders of Lake Markermeer, north of Amsterdam. The experiments investigated the peat layers' consolidation behaviour and their response under loading, including full shear failure. Noting the complex final test geometries and the large displacements developed, simple numerical analyses were undertaken to help interpret the failures within a Tresca and ‘consolidated undrained shear strength' framework. The trials that included modest pre-loading developed large vertical consolidation strains (up to 35%) and significant bearing capacity improvements. The field experiments provide a rich resource for testing advanced numerical techniques. They also allowed a range of practical characterisation techniques to be assessed and calibrated for flood dyke applications.
Date Issued
2015-04-01
Date Acceptance
2015-02-04
Citation
Geotechnique: international journal of soil mechanics, 2015, 65 (4), pp.309-326
ISSN
0016-8505
Publisher
ICE Publishing
Start Page
309
End Page
326
Journal / Book Title
Geotechnique: international journal of soil mechanics
Volume
65
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
© 2015 Thomas Telford Ltd. Original article available at http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/content/article/10.1680/geot.14.P.257. Permission is granted by ICE Publishing to print one copy for personal use. Any other use of these PDF files is subject to reprint fees.
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Identifier
https://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/doi/10.1680/geot.14.P.257
Grant Number
EP/D506387/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Engineering, Geological
Engineering
embankment
failure
foundations
full-scale tests
laboratory tests
organic soils
STRENGTH
CLAYS
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2015-09-01