The Soil-Arching Effect in Pile-Supported Embankments: A Review

Pile-supported embankments are widely used in foundation treatments, owing to their safety, efficient construction, and economy. The soil-arching effect is a key load-transferring mechanism in a pile-supported embankment, and it reduces the even settlement on the embankment surface. In recent years, researchers and engineers have conducted extensive research on the soil-arching phenomenon in pile-supported embankments. This paper reviews relevant studies on the effect of soil arching in pile-supported embankments in order to better understand the mechanism and influencing factors of the distribution of the arching effect. First, the development history of the practice and theory related to pile-supported embankments is discussed. This is followed by a review of theoretical studies on the soil-arching effect, load distribution and soil deformation on pile-supported embankments (with and without geogrid reinforcement), and structures and factors influencing soil arching. The results of these studies are summarized, and finally, topics for future research are suggested, providing references for the design and maintenance of civil infrastructure.