Practical Case 1

PRACTICAL CASE 1 – EMBANKMENT
CONSTRUCTION
As a Geotechnical Engineer at a road construction project, the student must develop the
preliminary embankment geotechnical design as shown in the image below, considering the
different conditioning factors, verification tests and requirements that he/she considered to
be associated to a geotechnical work of this nature. As can be seen in the image below, the
natural terrain height is of +1,5, while that of the Embankment , where the road platform
will be built on, is of +9,5. The embankment’s surface width is of 10 meters, and it is the
engineer’s responsibility to determine the embankment’s slope angles with the horizontal
line, as well as its base width according to his/her engineering and design criteria. Master’s
degree in Geotechnical Engineering and Foundations - Master´s thesis As it can be observed,
the phreatic level is 1 meter below ground surface level. The road construction project
manager has explained the engineer (the student) that, as one of the embankment’s design
conditioning factors, the maximum remnant the embankment can bear is 5 cm once the
road pavement has been laid. The terrain parameters are:
Sand: E’ = 20,00 MPa ; ν’ = 0,2 ; c’ = 0 kPa ; φ’= 30º ; γsat = 21 kN/m3 ; γd = 19 kN/m3 Clay: E’
= 10,00 MPa ; ν’ = 0,2 ; c’ = 15 kPa ; φ’= 23º ; γsat = 20 kN/m3 ; γd = 16 kN/m3 ; The
laboratory tests on the sample extracted from the middle clay stratum have provided the
following results: G = 2,7 ; e0 = 0,7 ; Cc = 0,40 ; Cs = 0,060 ; cu = su = 50 kPa ; k = 2 x 10--9
m/s Pre-consolidation pressure σ’p = 138 kN/m2 Rock: The rock is massive and shows
adequate conditions; width values are unknown. RMR = 80 ; E = 3500 MPa ; ν = 0,2 ; c’ = 1,00
MPa ; φ’= 45º ; γ = 24 kN/m3 Embankment parameters: E = 150 MPa ; ν = 0,2 ; c’ = 50,00 KPa
; φ’= 34º ; γ = 22 kN/m3
1. Soil Classification Tests.
A wide range of in situ and laboratory tests will be employed to thoroughly assess the soil
properties. In situ tests consist of the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), which measures soil
resistance during penetration, aiding in the characterization of the various soil layers. The
Cone Penetration Test (CPT) provides continuous soil profile data, including friction angle
and cohesion. The Vane Shear Test determines the undrained shear strength of clay, while
the Pressure meter Test measures soil stiffness and compressibility. Although in situ testing
is pivotal, it is also necessary to carry out an assessment in the laboratory, such as; Triaxial
Compression Tests which determine shear strength parameters (φ’ and c’), Direct Shear
Tests which evaluate friction angle and cohesion, Consolidation Tests to assess compression
properties (e₀, Cc, Cs), and Permeability Tests which determine the permeability coefficient
(k). The results gathered from these tests will assist in characterizing the terrain extensively
which will determine the necessary parameters in this phase of the project.
2. Problems, Possible Risks and Solutions associated with the
Preliminary Embankment Geotechnical Design.
There are quite many problems and possible risks that are inherently present when
designing an embankment when constructing a road, nevertheless, it is paramount that such
problems and risks are assessed adequately, and systems are justifiably put in place,
prioritizing safety and longevity for the construction. Below are some of the risks associated
with this nature of construction, along with a proposal of geotechnical concepts which serve
as means to mitigate risks:
 Prioritizing the stability of the embankment prevents sliding, overturning, and

settlement issues. Some risks include slope instability due to insufficient slope angles
or poor soil properties, differential movement caused by uneven settlement, and
potential liquefaction during seismic events must be addressed, as can be seen in
figure 1. Strategies must be implemented to mitigate mentioned risks, which include
conducting thorough slope stability analyses, implementing consolidation settlement
and compaction techniques during construction, and factoring in seismic loads and
the phreatic level. Considering these measures; embankment stability can be
ensured, reducing the possibility of structural failures and ensuring the longevity of
infrastructure projects.
Figure 1
Chih-Chieh, & Kuan-Yu. (2022). Liquefaction of embankment. Geosciences.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/12/6/221
 Loads should be distributed properly; this will significantly reduce the possibility of
the bearing capacity be surpassed. Determining the base width for construction
projects is crucial in preventing such an occurrence. Some risks associated with
inadequate base width are excessive settlement instability (Figure 2), and weak soil
layers pose the threat of bearing capacity failure. To mitigate these risks, the base
width can be calculated using thorough bearing capacity analysis and verify stability
against potential bearing failure. The specified mitigation measures can reduce the
risk of settlement issues and bearing capacity failure can be minimized, thus
enhancing the overall stability and safety of the structure.
Figure 2
Bouassidageotechnics. (2020, October 4). Settlement of embankments: Pick-up these

case studies. Bouassida Geotechnics.
https://bouassidageotechnics.wordpress.com/2020/10/04/settlement-of-
embankments-pick-up-these-case-studies/
 Effectively dealing with the phreatic degree (water table) and controlling seepage is
vital for making sure the steadiness of production projects. Risks related to this task
encompass the capability for pore stress to influence balance and the hazard of
liquefaction at some stage in earthquakes. Mitigation techniques contain studying
seepage paths to recognize the waft of water and imposing measures to govern it.
This consists of thinking about the set up of drainage structures and filters to
manipulate water waft and decrease the probability of pore stress-brought on
instability and liquefaction events. By imposing those mitigation measures, the
dangers related to the phreatic degree and seepage may be efficiently minimized,
making sure the long-time period balance and protection of the structure.
 To maintain road performance, it is important that settlement is monitored. Risks

associated with this challenge include the potential for excessive settlement, which
can negatively impact road performance, and the risk of uneven settlement, which
can result in uneven road surfaces. Mitigation strategies include assessing
consolidation settlement using laboratory data to accurately predict settlement
behaviour and optimizing slope construction techniques to minimize settlement.
 Building a stable foundation on rock is important in construction projects. Risks

associated with this work include the possibility of local failures due to insufficient
rock width and slipping along the rock-soil interface. To reduce these risks, it is
important to ensure stability against slipping and load-bearing failure. Furthermore,
the stability of the foundation can be further improved by considering the
characteristics of the rock and performing appropriate load distribution. Rocks
characterization can be made by examination of samples recovered from boreholes.
 Assessing the seismic response of structures is important to reduce the risks

associated with seismic events, this is shown in figure 3. Seismic evaluation of data
will provide a general idea about the building performance during an earthquake.
Key risks include the failure of embankments during earthquakes and the potential
impact on safety and infrastructure. In order to reduce these risks, it is necessary to
use real data to analyze seismic vulnerability and understand how structures respond
to seismic forces. In addition, identifying critical areas for rehabilitation and
maintenance allows for targeted strengthening measures to increase the resilience of
slopes to earthquakes in the event of its occurrence.
Figure 3
Road embankment failure during the M 5.0 au sable forks earthquake in... |
download scientific diagram. (n.d.-b). https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Road-
embankment-failure-during-the-M-50-Au-Sable-Forks-earthquake-in-New-York-The-
slide_fig3_332517494
3. Instrumentation and Monitoring

During the construction phase of an embankment in the road project, various equipment
will be incorporated to primarily monitor geotechnical parameters. These instruments
include inclinometers, piezometers, settlement plates, and vibration sensors, they not only
ensure the integrity of the structure, but also the safety of adjacent infrastructure and
personnel. The monitoring devices mentioned serve as essential tools, providing real-time
data that facilitates careful testing of critical parameters that affect slope stability.
Inclinometers strategically placed within the slope provide a continuous stream of data on
lateral displacements, providing valuable insight into the dynamic behaviour of slope
stability. The careful evaluation of this data can proactively identify early signs of slope
instability and potential slope failures that can lead to costly project delays and significant
safety risks. Piezometers carefully placed within the slope play an important role in studying
pore water pressure variations. This is an interesting consideration, especially in areas prone
to seismic activity. Keenly monitoring changes in water vapor levels will provide important
insights into the hydraulic behaviour of slopes and are aware of the potential risks posed by
excessive pore water pressure and associated instability due to liquefaction. Settlement
plates strategically placed at key points on the embankment, this will essentially provide
detailed data on vertical settlement during construction. This data enables the identification
of unwarranted settlement trends assisting to address emerging settlement issues, thereby
mitigating the negative effects of uneven pavements and ensuring long-term improvements
to embankments, thus guaranteeing structural stability.
Additionally, vibration sensors play an essential role in monitoring construction-related
vibrations that can affect slope stability. Careful inspection of these vibrations in real time
will assist in the rapid identification and assessment of risks to slope stability, allowing for
timely intervention to mitigate potential hazards. The placement of vibration sensors
ensures that construction can proceed quickly without compromising the embankment's
structural stability, thereby improving the safety of both project stakeholders and
surrounding infrastructure.
The placement for these instruments is as follows:
1. Piezometers:
 Place piezometers at the base of the embankment to enable monitoring of pore

water pressure within the foundation soils.
 Install additional piezometers at mid-height and near the crest to record variations in
pore water pressure through the depth of the embankment.
 Extend piezometer installation beyond the embankment toe into natural terrain that
surrounds the embankment to monitor groundwater levels and potential seepage
effects.
2. Settlement Plates:
 Install settlement plates evenly spaced along the embankment crest to monitor
vertical displacement.
 Place additional settlement plates at the toe of the embankment and in areas where
differential settlement is anticipated.
 Extend settlement plates installation into the natural terrain surrounding the
embankment to monitor settlement in the approach fills.
3. Inclinometers:
 Place inclinometer casings along the embankment slope at regular intervals,

extending from the crest to the toe.
 Install inclinometers at multiple depths within the embankment to monitor potential
differential movements.
 Extend inclinometer installation into the natural terrain to monitor slope stability in
the surrounding areas.
4. Vibration Sensors
 Place vibration sensors directly on the embankment crest and toe to monitor the
impact of vibrations on the stability of the embankment.
 Install sensors at multiple locations along the embankment to capture variations in
vibration levels.
4. Preliminary design calculations

Values for the slope angle and base width of the embankment were estimated using Hoek &
Bray Charts. Firstly, one of the several charts available was chosen to conduct the analysis.
Chart 1. Was chosen since the initial conditions of the embankment slope would be dry/
fully drained.
50 kpa
c
Y ⋅ H ⋅Tanθ = N
22 k 3 ⋅8 m ⋅tan 34 = 0.42
m
Assuming that the desired factor of safety is 1.3
Tanθ T an 34
F
= 1.3 1⋅3
= 0.52 = F
Using 0.52 obtained from tanθ/ F and the coefficient at the end of the chart, being 0.42, the
slope angle is equivalent to 25̊ .
If the height of the embankment is 8 metres and the angle of the slope is 25̊ then the width
between each slope will be 18.4m.
The total base width will therefore be 46.8 metres, approximately 46m.
(18.4 +18.4+ 10) = 46.8m
5. Numerical Analysis
Numerical analysis of the preliminary model will be done using Plaxis 2D version 20.

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PRACTICAL CASE 1 – EMBANKMENT

 Prioritizing the stability of the embankment prevents sliding, overturning, and

Chih-Chieh, & Kuan-Yu. (2022). Liquefaction of embankment. Geosciences.

Bouassidageotechnics. (2020, October 4). Settlement of embankments: Pick-up these

 To maintain road performance, it is important that settlement is monitored. Risks

 Building a stable foundation on rock is important in construction projects. Risks

 Assessing the seismic response of structures is important to reduce the risks

3. Instrumentation and Monitoring

 Place piezometers at the base of the embankment to enable monitoring of pore

 Place inclinometer casings along the embankment slope at regular intervals,

4. Preliminary design calculations

(18.4 +18.4+ 10) = 46.8m

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