Efficiency of micro piles in reinforcing embankments

The construction of railway embankments on loose foundations using reinforcing elements results in improvement of the embankments' slope stability, which significantly reduces the amount of earthworks. In addition, reinforcement of foundation and embankment is essential to increase bearing capacity and minimise settlements. In this study, a preliminary numerical analysis was performed to design and set up a series of experimental tests for investigating the efficiency of micro piles in reinforcing the high railway embankments on loose foundation. To this end, two experimental models of embankment were explored: one without reinforcement and another reinforced with micro piles to stabilise the embankment slope. The minimised arrangement of micro piles to reinforce the experimental model was obtained according to the results of the preliminary numerical simulation using Plaxis-2D finite-element code. The experimental data included bearing capacity of the embankment, displacement of foundation and embankment and axial strain of the micro piles. Finally, the efficiency of micro piles in reinforcing high embankments on loose subgrades was assessed by comparing the experimental data of non-reinforced and reinforced embankments.