MODELING OF PVD-IMPROVED SOFT SINAI CLAY

Abstract

In this research, several numerical methods for modelling PVD-imporved soft clay beneath embankments were applied. These methods included 2D plane strain analysis considering the required transformation of permeability values from the axisymmetry condition to plane strain condition, homogenization of the soil below the embankment to simplify the numerical model and single drain analysis in 3D. Results of the different numerical methods were compared to field measurement of test embankment in the case study located in East Port Said. PLAXIS V.20 was used for the FE numerical analysis applying Soft Soil Creep model to simulate the soft clay. The parameters of the Soft Soil Creep model were calibrated using PLAXIS soil test module with laboratory Oedometer test results. Moreover, analytical method was discussed and the results obtained was compared to the field measurements and the numerical predictions. A parametric study was conducted on 2D plane strain models and 3D single drain model to study the effect of various factors affecting the performance of PVD and the predicted settlement of PVD-improved soft clay beneath embankment such as (PVD depth, smear zone radius and smear zone permeability.