Numerical analysis of soil arching and critical height in column-supported embankments using the Material Point Method

Abstract

The arching effect and critical height in column-supported embankments were studied using the Material Point Method (MPM). First, the method was validated using model and field test results. Based on these validations, additional scenarios covering various embankment heights and column spacings were analyzed using MPM. The results showed that the shear pattern evolves from a punching shear pattern for embankments lower than 0.7(s-a) to an inverted general bearing pattern for embankments higher than 1.3(s-a). These observations were further validated through numerous 3D analyses based on the soil profile of a real project. Lastly, additional case studies from China, the 3D MPM analysis results, and previously available data, were compared with existing criteria, leading to the proposal of a modified formula for the critical height of embankment to consistently reduce differential settlement to under 0.1%.