Boundary element analysis of geotextile reinforced embankment

This study presents the application of the Boundary Element Method to determine the stability of an embankment constructed over soft soil using geotextile reinforcement. Laboratory tests were conducted on small scale models and deformations in the subsoil and stresses on the geotextile were determined. Results obtained from Boundary Element Method were compared with the results obtained using a closed form limit equilibrium method. Results revealed that Boundary Element Method is an appropriate method to compute displacements, stresses, and strains in the soft soil under the embankment. It was also concluded that the direction of the geotextile reinforcement at failure is neither parallel to the subsoil surface nor tangential to the failure surface.