Application of geosynthetics for enhanced performance of transportation infrastructure

The highway embankments and railway tracks constructed on soft soils are particularly vulnerable to increased cyclic stress, which can cause uncontrolled deformation, undrained failure, migration of fines and associated mud pumping. This paper presents a significant contribution to the field by reporting the effectiveness of geosynthetics in mitigating fluidization potential of soft soil. Laboratory experiments were undertaken using a dynamic filtration apparatus (DFA) and a cyclic triaxial apparatus (CTA) to analyse the cyclic response of soft subgrade under impeded drainage conditions. This study critically evaluates the role of geosynthetics in controlling the occurrence of soil fluidization by assessing the build-up of excess pore water pressure (EPWP), the variation in particle size distribution (PSD) and the moisture content (MC). The outcomes of this study reveal that prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) are effective in alleviating the EPWP developed in middle or deeper soil layers, whereas geocomposites can facilitate surficial drainage. This paper emphasizes the practical implications and the significance of improved drainage and swift dissipation of EPWP on low-lying saturated soils for enhanced track design.