Numerical Simulation of Wetting-Induced Settlement of Embankments

In this paper, the Barcelona basic model (BBM) was implemented in a finite difference-based computer program to simulate the behavior of unsaturated soils subjected to wetting. The BBM implementation was verified using analytical solutions, and the verified model was used to simulate the wetting-induced response of a compacted fill embankment subjected to complete saturation as the worst-case scenario for design. Results showed that considerable amount of total and differential settlements could develop at the top surface of the embankment. Additionally, upper sections of the embankment had a tendency to heave, whereas lower sections under larger confining stresses could collapse due to wetting. Results of a subsequent parametric study indicated that initial moisture content, embankment height, and slope angle have significant influences on the wetting-induced deformations and stability of unsaturated embankments. (C) 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.