Embankment foundation on geotextile-coated sand columns in soft ground

This contribution reports on the technical experiences with geotextile-coated sand columns used in the foundation of an approximately 6m high railway embankment based on a soft ground of clay-peat layer up to 7m. The sand columns (1.5m in diameter) have been coated with a sewn geotextile composite of polyester threads and a filter cloth. The bearing behaviour of the columns is influenced by the mobilized soil reaction in the soft layers in combination with the occurring ring tensile forces in the geotextile. Details on the execution of the foundation are given and measuring results concerning strain, forces and deformations in the geotextiles and foundation elements are presented.