Numerical Assessment of Fibre Inclusion in a Load Transfer Platform for Pile-Supported Embankments over Soft Soil

This study presents the results of a numerical investigation in the performance of natural fibre reinforced load transfer platform (NFRLTP) for pile supported embankment construction over soft soil. A numerical analysis based on finite element method (FEM) was carried out on an NFRLTP pile-supported embankment in a two-dimensional plane strain condition. The effects of natural fibre inclusion in the load transfer platform on the stress transfer mechanism, generation and dissipation of excess pore water pressure have been analyzed and discussed in detail. The findings indicate that natural fibre reinforced soil as a load transfer platform facilitated the load transfer process from the embankment to piles, while decreases the intensity of load transferred to soft soil, the excess pore water pressure and the overall settlement.