Load transfer mechanism and deformation of reinforced piled embankments

A series of twenty-eight centrifuge tests was performed on piled embankments with basal geosynthetic reinforcement to assess the influence of pile spacing, embankment height, pile cap size and geosynthetic stiffness on the load transfer mechanism and surface settlements. The measurements of the forces on the piles made it possible to assess the load transfer mechanisms, and 100% efficiency was achieved for all tests performed. The results showed that for the thicker mattress and/or closer piles, the surface settlements were smaller or negligible. Geosynthetic maximum deflections were also examined experimentally and analytically, the latter based on BS8006 (2010) and its further corrigendum in 2012. Close agreement in the predictions of the maximum reinforcement deflection was reached with BS8006 (2012) by adopting a slight modification in the ratio of diagonal and orthogonal maximum deflection (yd/y = √2).