Laboratory-scale model studies on corduroy-reinforced road embankments on peat foundations using transparent soil

Test sections of a road embankment on peat were instrumented to investigate their performance and to develop more economical means of construction method. One test section was constructed with only geotextile at its base and another with both geotextile and corduroy. Laboratory-scale physical model tests were undertaken to improve the understanding of the operating mechanisms involved in the performance of the two test sections. Artificial transparent soil that has similar deformation properties of natural clays and peats was used as foundation material. It allows determination of spatial displacements beneath the embankment using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique. The load-settlement behaviour of the test sections were reasonably simulated in the laboratory-scale physical model tests. Displacement patterns from PIV indicate that embankment with geotextile layer and corduroy has less settlements and lateral movements in the foundation compared to that of the embankment with geotextile layer only.