
Xiang-Shen FU, Ren-Peng CHEN, Han-Lin WANG, Xin KANG, Daniel DIAS. A simplified analytical model for geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments with cohesive fills[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science A, 2026, 27(4): 417-436.
@article{title="A simplified analytical model for geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments with cohesive fills",
author="Xiang-Shen FU, Ren-Peng CHEN, Han-Lin WANG, Xin KANG, Daniel DIAS",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science A",
volume="27",
number="4",
pages="417-436",
year="2026",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1631/jzus.A2500135"
}
%0 Journal Article
%T A simplified analytical model for geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments with cohesive fills
%A Xiang-Shen FU
%A Ren-Peng CHEN
%A Han-Lin WANG
%A Xin KANG
%A Daniel DIAS
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A
%V 27
%N 4
%P 417-436
%@ 1673-565X
%D 2026
%I Zhejiang University Press & Springer
%DOI 10.1631/jzus.A2500135
TY - JOUR
T1 - A simplified analytical model for geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments with cohesive fills
A1 - Xiang-Shen FU
A1 - Ren-Peng CHEN
A1 - Han-Lin WANG
A1 - Xin KANG
A1 - Daniel DIAS
J0 - Journal of Zhejiang University Science A
VL - 27
IS - 4
SP - 417
EP - 436
%@ 1673-565X
Y1 - 2026
PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
ER -
DOI - 10.1631/jzus.A2500135
Abstract: Most current design methods for geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankments neglect the influence of fill cohesion, and are therefore only suitable for cohesionless fills. However, cohesive fills are also widely used in GRPS embankments. To address this issue, we present an analytical model that expands the hemispherical arching model to incorporate cohesive fill properties. The proposed model integrates the soil arching effect, the tensioned membrane effect, and subsoil support to provide a simple approach for analyzing load transfer in GRPS embankments. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model, a comparison with four well-known design methods is conducted using several case studies. This comparison demonstrates that the proposed model shows good agreement with the measured data, validating the reliability and applicability of our method. A parametric study is also performed, with the results indicating that the cohesion of fills enhances load transfer in GRPS embankments, resulting in a greater pile efficacy and a lower geosynthetic deflection. These findings provide valuable insights for the construction of GRPS embankments.
[1]Al-NaddafM, HanJ, 2021. Spring-based trapdoor tests investigating soil arching stability in embankment fill under localized surface loading. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 147(9):04021087.
[2]BaoN, WeiJ, ChenJF, et al., 2020. 2D and 3D discrete numerical modelling of soil arching. Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE A, 21(5):350-365.
[3]BriançonL, SimonB, 2017. Pile-supported embankment over soft soil for a high-speed line. Geosynthetics International, 24(3):293-305.
[4](British Standards Institution)BSI, 2010. Code of Practice for Strengthened/Reinforced Soils and Other Fills, BS 8006-1:2010. BSI, London, UK.
[5]CaoWZ, ZhengJJ, ZhangJ, et al., 2016. Field test of a geogrid-reinforced and floating pile-supported embankment. Geosynthetics International, 23(5):348-361.
[6]CarlssonB, 1987. Reinforced Soil, Principles for Calculation. Terratema AB, Linköping, Sweden (in Swedish).
[7]ChenFQ, LuoSC, LaiFW, 2022. New analytical solutions for cohesive-frictional soils above deep active trapdoors. International Journal of Geomechanics, 22(12):04022235.
[8]ChenRP, XuZZ, ChenYM, et al., 2010. Field tests on pile-supported embankments over soft ground. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 136(6):777-785.
[9]ChenRP, WangYW, YeXW, et al., 2016. Tensile force of geogrids embedded in pile-supported reinforced embankment: a full-scale experimental study. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 44(2):157-169.
[10]ChenRP, LiuQW, WangHL, et al., 2021. Performance of geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankment on soft marine deposit. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Geotechnical Engineering, 174(6):627-644.
[11]ChenRP, FuXS, LiuQW, et al., 2023. Effect of non-simultaneous movement of adjacent twin-trapdoor on soil arching effect through discrete element method simulation. Transportation Geotechnics, 41:101007.
[12]ChenRP, WangHL, FuXS, et al., 2024. Upward soil arching effect under unloading: mechanism, theory and engineering application. Transportation Geotechnics, 47:101276.
[13]ChenRP, FuXS, LiuQW, et al., 2025a. Development and validation of deformation-dependent theoretical model for soil arching effect under unloading. Computers and Geotechnics, 180:107078.
[14]ChenRP, XuY, WangHL, et al., 2025b. Effect of adjacent excavation on the mechanical response of proximal soil and tunnels in normally consolidated clay: centrifuge model testing and numerical simulation. Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE A, 26(10):931-949.
[15]FagundesDF, AlmeidaMSS, ThorelL, et al., 2017. Load transfer mechanism and deformation of reinforced piled embankments. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 45(2):1-10.
[16]FuXS, WangHL, ChenRP, et al., 2025. Interaction between adjacent soil-arching effect in homogeneous clay and the corresponding stability analysis of underground voids: insights from trapdoor modeling. International Journal of Geomechanics, 25(8):04025144.
[17]FuXS, WangHL, ZhaiZJ, et al., 2026. Arching patterns in compacted clay: insights from plane-strain trapdoor tests. Transportation Geotechnics, 56:101754.
[18]German Geotechnical Society, 2011. Recommendations for Design and Analysis of Earth Structures Using Geosynthetic Reinforcements–EBGEO. Ernst & Sohn Verlag für Architektur und technische Wissenschaften GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin, Germany.
[19]GuidoVA, KneuppelJD, SweenyMA, 1987. Plate loading tests on geogrid-reinforced earth slabs. Proceedings of Geosynthetics ’87 Conference, p.216-225.
[20]HanJ, GabrMA, 2002. Numerical analysis of geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported earth platforms over soft soil. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 128(1):44-53.
[21]HanJ, BhandariA, WangF, 2012. DEM analysis of stresses and deformations of geogrid-reinforced embankments over piles. International Journal of Geomechanics, 12(4):340-350.
[22]HandyRL, 1985. The arch in soil arching. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 111(3):302-318.
[23]HewlettWJ, RandolphMF, 1988. Analysis of piled embankments. Ground Engineering, 21(3):12-18.
[24]HuckertA, BriançonL, VillardP, et al., 2016. Load transfer mechanisms in geotextile-reinforced embankments overlying voids: experimental and analytical approaches. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 44(3):442-456.
[25]JonesCJFP, LawsonCR, AyresDJ, 1990. Geotextile reinforced piled embankments. In: Den Hoedt G (Ed.), Geotextiles, Geomembranes and Related Products. Balkema, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, p.155-160.
[26]LaiFW, ChenSX, XueJF, et al., 2020. New analytical solutions for shallow cohesive soils overlying trench voids under various slip surfaces. Transportation Geotechnics, 25:100411.
[27]LaiHJ, ZhengJJ, CuiMJ, 2021. Improved analytical soil arching model for the design of piled embankments. International Journal of Geomechanics, 21(3):04020261.
[28]LaiHJ, ZhengJJ, ZhangRJ, et al., 2016. Visualization of the formation and features of soil arching within a piled embankment by discrete element method simulation. Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE A, 17(10):803-817.
[29]LiuHL, NgCWW, FeiK, 2007. Performance of a geogrid-reinforced and pile-supported highway embankment over soft clay: case study. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 133(12):1483-1493.
[30]LiuHL, KongGQ, ChuJ, et al., 2015. Grouted gravel column-supported highway embankment over soft clay: case study. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 52(11):1725-1733.
[31]LowBK, TangSK, ChoaV, 1994. Arching in piled embankments. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 120(11):1917-1938.
[32]LuW, MiaoL, WangF, et al., 2020. A case study on geogrid-reinforced and pile-supported widened highway embankment. Geosynthetics International, 27(3):261-274.
[33]MarstonA, AndersonAO, 1913. The Theory of Loads on Pipes in Ditches and Tests of Cement and Clay Drain Tile and Sewer Pipe. Iowa Engineering Experiment Station Bulletin No. 31, Iowa Engineering Station, Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, Ames, IA, USA.
[34]McKelveyJA, 1994. The anatomy of soil arching. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 13(5):317-329.
[35]NguyenVD, LuoQ, WangTF, et al., 2023. Load transfer in geosynthetic-reinforced piled embankments with a triangular arrangement of piles. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 149(2):04022131.
[36]NunezMA, BriançonL, DiasD, 2013. Analyses of a pile-supported embankment over soft clay: full-scale experiment, analytical and numerical approaches. Engineering Geology, 153:53-67.
[37]PhamTA, 2019. Analysis of soil-foundation-structure interaction to load transfer mechanism in reinforced piled embankments. Australian Geomechanics Journal, 54(1):85-100.
[38]PhamTA, 2020. Load-deformation of piled embankments considering geosynthetic membrane effect and interface friction. Geosynthetics International, 27(3):275-300.
[39]PhamTA, DiasD, 2021a. 3D numerical study of the performance of geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankments. Soils and Foundations, 61(5):1319-1342.
[40]PhamTA, DiasD, 2021b. Comparison and evaluation of analytical models for the design of geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankments. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 49(3):528-549.
[41]PhamTA, DiasD, 2022. A simplified model for the analysis of piled embankments considering arching and subsoil consolidation. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 50(3):408-431.
[42]PhamTA, WijesuriyaK, DiasD, 2022. Analytical model for the design of piled embankments considering cohesive soils. Geosynthetics International, 29(4):369-388.
[43]RogbeckY, AlénC, FranzénG, et al., 2003. Nordic Guidelines for Reinforced Soils and Fills. Nordic Geosynthetic Group, Linköping, Sweden.
[44]RuiR, HanJ, van EekelenSJM, et al., 2019. Experimental investigation of soil-arching development in unreinforced and geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 145(1):04018103.
[45]SmithEJ, BouazzaA, KingLE, 2022. Numerical simulation of the progressive development of soil arching in column-supported embankments. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 59(2):159-176.
[46]SunYH, WangHL, MengFY, et al., 2025. Multiscale mechanical behaviour of sand-steel structure interface for deep underground space. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 62:1-16.
[47]TerzaghiK, 1943. Theoretical Soil Mechanics. John Wiley & Sons, New York, USA.
[48]TerzaghiK, PeckRB, MesriG, 1996. Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice. 3rd Edition. John Wiley & Sons, New York, USA.
[49]van EekelenSJM, BrugmanMHA, 2016. Design Guideline Basal Reinforced Piled Embankments. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, USA.
[50]van EekelenSJM, HanJ, 2020. Geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments: state of the art. Geosynthetics International, 27(2):112-141.
[51]van EekelenSJM, BezuijenA, OungO, 2003. Arching in piled embankments; experiments and design calculations. Proceedings of the International Conference on Foundations, p.885-894.
[52]van EekelenSJM, BezuijenA, AlexiewD, 2008. Piled embankments in the Netherlands, a full-scale test, comparing 2 years of measurements with design calculations. Proceedings of the 4th European Geosynthetics Conference, p.264.
[53]van EekelenSJM, BezuijenA, AlexiewD, 2010. The Kyoto road piled embankment: 3½ years of measurements. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics, p.1941-1944.
[54]van EekelenSJM, BezuijenA, LodderHJ, et al., 2012. Model experiments on piled embankments. Part I. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 32:69-81.
[55]van EekelenSJM, BezuijenA, van TolAF, 2013. An analytical model for arching in piled embankments. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 39:78-102.
[56]van EekelenSJM, BezuijenA, van TolAF, 2015. Validation of analytical models for the design of basal reinforced piled embankments. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 43(1):56-81.
[57]van EekelenSJM, VenmansAAM, BezuijenA, et al., 2020. Long term measurements in the Woerden geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankment. Geosynthetics International, 27(2):142-156.
[58]WangHL, ChenRP, 2019. Estimating static and dynamic stresses in geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported trackbed under train moving loads. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 145(7):04019029.
[59]WangHL, YinZY, 2020. High performance prediction of soil compaction parameters using multi expression programming. Engineering Geology, 276:105758.
[60]WangHL, ChenRP, QiS, et al., 2018. Long-term performance of pile-supported ballastless track-bed at various water levels. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 144(6):04018035.
[61]WangHL, ChenRP, ChengW, et al., 2019a. Full-scale model study on variations of soil stress in geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported track bed with water level change and cyclic loading. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 56(1):60-68.
[62]WangHL, ChenRP, LiuQW, et al., 2019b. Investigation on geogrid reinforcement and pile efficacy in geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported track-bed. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 47(6):755-766.
[63]WangHL, YinCS, ZhangQY, et al., 2024. Monotonic mechanical behaviour of compacted completely decomposed granite with various inclusion levels of incineration bottom ash. Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE A, 25(8):670-679.
[64]XingHF, ZhangZ, LiuHB, et al., 2014. Large-scale tests of pile-supported earth platform with and without geogrid. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 42(6):586-598.
[65]XuC, SongS, HanJ, 2016. Scaled model tests on influence factors of full geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments. Geosynthetics International, 23(2):140-153.
[66]YeGB, WangM, ZhangZ, et al., 2020. Geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments with caps in a triangular pattern over soft clay. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 48(1):52-61.
[67]YeYQ, Al-NaddafM, HanJ, et al., 2024. Spring-based trapdoor tests evaluating pile-supported load transfer platforms with different fill materials. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 150(12):04024122.
[68]ZaeskeD, 2001. Zur Wirkungsweise von Unbewehrten und Bewehrten Mineralischen Tragschichten Über Pfahlartigen Gründungselementen. PhD Thesis, Universität Kassel, Kassel, Germany (in German).
[69]ZhangL, ZhouS, ZhaoH, et al., 2018. Performance of geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankment with consideration of soil arching. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 144(12):06018005.
[70]ZhangXD, ZhuangY, HuSL, et al., 2022. A simplified method for assessing the serviceability performance of geosynthetic reinforced and pile-supported embankment. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 50(6):1214-1229.
[71]ZhangXH, WangHL, FuXS, et al., 2026. Effects of water content and dry density on the passive soil arching effect in unsaturated compacted clay. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, in press.
[72]ZhangXH, ZhaiZJ, WangHL, et al., 2025. A deformation-dependent model for passive soil arching in sand. Acta Geotechnica 20:6495-6513.
[73]ZhaoMX, LiuCY, El-KorchiT, et al., 2019. Performance of geogrid-reinforced and PTC pile-supported embankment in a highway widening project over soft soils. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 145(11):06019014.
[74]ZhouYL, WangX, HeF, et al., 2023. Calculation method and model tests of pile frost jacking for railway overhead contact systems in permafrost regions. Cold Regions Science and Technology, 206:103746.
[75]ZhuangY, WangKY, 2016. Finite-element analysis on the effect of subsoil in reinforced piled embankments and comparison with theoretical method predictions. International Journal of Geomechanics, 16(5):04016011.
[76]ZhuangY, EllisE, YuHS, 2012. Three-dimensional finite-element analysis of arching in a piled embankment. Géotechnique, 62(12):1127-1131.
[77]ZhuangY, WangKY, LiuHL, 2014. A simplified model to analyze the reinforced piled embankments. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 42(2):154-165.
CLC number:
On-line Access: 2026-04-18
Received: 2025-04-18
Revision Accepted: 2025-09-03
Crosschecked: 2026-04-20
Cited: 0
Clicked: 2901
Citations: Bibtex RefMan EndNote GB/T7714
Open peer comments: Debate/Discuss/Question/Opinion
<1>