Work

Integrating FEM with reliability-based serviceability limit state design for a test embankment on low-carbon column-stabilised soil

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Dry deep mixing (DDM) is one of the primary stabilisation methods used to reduce compressibility and increase bearing capacity of soft clays under road embankments. However, geotechnical designers encounter considerable uncertainty in designing DDM columns, arising from the properties of both soil and binder, as well as the stabilization techniques employed. These uncertainties are exacerbated when using novel binders, whose behaviour in real field conditions is still under investigation. In such cases, probabilistic simulation provides a systematic approach to quantifying and managing these uncertainties. This paper presents a reliability-based design framework that combines finite element (FE) analysis using the volume average technique and Monte Carlo simulation. The framework accounts for the uncertainty in the calculation of residual settlements of both soil and stabilised soil parameters in the case of a testing embankment built on low-carbon end-bearing and floating stabilised soil columns. The VAT approach was validated using field measurements and was found to reasonably capture the behavior of length-varying columns. Probabilistic results showed a depth-dependent trade-off: shorter columns produced higher mean settlements as expected, but lower relative scatter. In contrast, longer columns can meet strict serviceability criteria at the expense of much greater relative variability. However, sensitivity analysis revealed that allocating resources for characterizing soil and column properties at shallow depths is crucial for reducing uncertainty. Lastly, failure probabilities were linked with binder carbon emissions, enabling sustainable design and reliability adjustments based on environmental and performance trades-offs.

Source: Transportation Geotechnics

DOI: 10.1016/j.trgeo.2025.101764

Authors: Alejandra López Ramírez, Monica Löfman, Leena Korkiala-Tanttu

Institutions: Aalto University, Ramboll (Finland)

Language: English

Topic: Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Stabilization

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,540