Full-Scale Tests on Embankments Founded on Piled Beams

Abstract

Full-scale tests were performed on embankments with a beam foundation supported by floating and end-bearing piles. An analytical model based on the soil arching mechanism appeared to be able to predict accurately the vertical load transferred to a group of beams at a small center-to-center distance. However, when the distance between the beams was too wide or the embankment was too low to mobilize soil arching, the vertical load transferred to a beam could be predicted accurately with a model based on the punching shear mechanism. Greater embankment loads could be transferred to a piled beam through soil arching than could be transferred through punching shear. Beams in a piled embankment should be placed sufficiently close to each other to allow application of the soil arching model for design. Embankment loads could be transferred to both floating and end-bearing piles. Although load-transfer behavior was similar, the settlement of floating piles was significantly larger than the settlement of end-bearing piles. Settlement in a piled embankment could be reduced considerably by the application of end-bearing piles with a group of beams at a small center-to-center distance.