Analysis of deformation characteristics of reinforced embankment considering spatial variability of soil mass

Based on the random field theory, combined with the finite element analysis method and the Monte Carlo strategy, the influence of the spatial variability of foundation soil parameters on the deformation characteristics of reinforced embankment under moving loads was analyzed in depth. The Karhunen-Loeve(K-L) expansion method was used to discrete the random field. Meanwhile, the reinforced embankment numerical model was established using ABAQUS software, and the moving load was applied by the Fortran subroutine, which is combined with the secondary development of Python language to realize the embedding function. The effects of the coefficient of variation(COV) and the scales of fluctuation(SOF) of the foundation soil elastic modulus on the deformation characteristics of the reinforced embankment were systematically studied, and probabilistic statistical analysis had also been performed. The results indicated that as the COV increases, the deflection curve of the embankment tends to be discrete, and the shape of the deflection curve changes more significantly. As the autocorrelation distance increases, the deflection curve of the embankment tends to become discrete. According to the different autocorrelation distances, the embankment has three deformation modes. With the increase of the COV and SOF of the foundation soil elastic modulus, the cumulative probability distribution curve of the maximum deflection tends to be dispersed and the average effect of spatial variability tends to be more significant. Proper consideration of soil variability in the design of reinforced embankments would be more realistic. © 2023 Huazhong University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.