Embankment prediction and back analysis by means of 2D and 3D finite element analyses

The paper summarises key results of a class A prediction obtained from 2D and 3D finite element analyses performed for the Embankment Prediction Symposium 2016. In addition class C predictions are included and the changes in input parameters for the finite element model are discussed. Although different constitutive models have been employed in the class A prediction where short term displacements, i.e. after embankment construction, have been considered in addition to long term consolidation and creep settlements only long term displacements are dealt with in this paper. Thus, only results obtained with the Soft Soil Creep model implemented in the finite element code Plaxis are presented. Input parameters have been chosen based on laboratory and in situ experiments and verified by back calculation of undrained triaxial tests and CRS tests. 3D FEA have been carried out confirming that a 2D representation is sufficient for this problem.