Reinforcement Function

Question

How does the reinforcement function in the embankment is built on the soft clay?

Answer 1

The factor of safety for constructing the embankment on soft clay is least at the end of construction. Thereafter consolidation takes place, thus increasing the shear strength of the foundation soils. Reinforcement is generally introduced to maintain the stability due to the under given reasons:

a) The reinforcement at the clay surface, which is adept of carrying the tensile forces, creates the shear stresses to stop the lateral deformation of the clay and increases the capacity of bearing.

b) The reinforcement can also hold in equilibrium the lateral trust developed by fill above so that it decreases the stresses which tends to cause the failure of clay foundation.

c) The reinforcement has a tendency to run the mechanism of failure deeper within the soft clay, which must possess higher shear strength because its strength generally rises with depth.