Numerical analysis of an embankment on soft soils considering large displacements

The behaviour of an embankment built on a Portuguese soft soil is analysed considering the material and geometric non-linearity associated with a coupled soil–water formulation. The numerical predictions are compared with the field data in terms of settlements, horizontal displacements and excess pore water pressures. The repercussions of including the large displacements formulation are also studied. It is found that the analysis considering large displacements results in a decrease in settlements and an increase in the rate of excess pore pressure dissipation, both of which are related to the reduction of the thickness of a deformable layer.