Settlement prediction for an embankment on soft clay

A model prediction using FE modeling is performed for a trial embankment on soft clay in Ballina, Australia. The comparison between the prediction and the in situ measurement exhibits significant differences. A detailed analysis is performed to validate the model and determine necessary improvements. Sensitivity analyses elaborate upon the most dominant constitutive parameters. Based on site measurements, inverse analyses are performed to identify the optimum parameters. The inverse analysis approach is validated regarding its dependency on the objective function and data incorporated. A comparison between the prediction and the back-calculated parameters confirms the importance of engineering judgment as well as the sensitivity of the modeling strategies to the input information.