2D numerical modelling of geosynthetic reinforced embankments over deep cement mixing columns

This paper presents a two dimensional numerical implementation of a geosynthetic reinforced deep cement mixed (DCM) column supported highway embankment incorporating the strain softening behaviour of cement stabilised soil. This embankment was constructed over a very soft soil deposit in Finland. DCM columns were modelled using elasto-plastic Mohr-Coulomb model with isotropic strain softening behaviour. This material extension has been incorporated into ABAQUS/Standard through the user defined field subroutine (USDFLD). The geosynthetic reinforcement was modelled as a linear elastic perfectly plastic material using the Von-Mises failure criteria. Embankment fill, platform fill, soft soil, and firm soil were modelled as linearly elastic perfectly plastic materials using the Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria. The model simulations show good agreement with field data confirming the capability of the material extension and the 2D numerical modelling in predicting realistically the DCM column supported embankment behaviour.