Evaluation of Liquefaction Mitigation Strategies for Enhancing Embankment Stability Under Seismic Loading
摘要
Liquefaction-induced settlement poses a significant threat to the stability of earthen embankments constructed on saturated, loose, cohesionless soil. This study evaluates and compares three liquefaction mitigation techniques to enhance embankment stability and reduce settlement under seismic loading. The mitigation strategies analysed include: (i) densification beneath the embankment toe to improve soil density and strength, thereby reducing liquefaction potential and associated settlement; (ii) installation of a sheet pile with a strut at the embankment toe to act as a barrier, limiting lateral soil movement and deformation; and (iii) construction of a gravel berm along the embankment slope to reinforce stability and dissipate excess pore pressure. Numerical simulations were conducted using the UBC3D-PLM model to capture the behavior of liquefiable soils under real earthquake ground motions. The results indicated that densification of the toe region is the most effective technique, significantly reducing settlement and excess pore pressure build-up. Compared to the other methods, densification offers a more reliable and efficient solution, directly enhancing soil strength and liquefaction resistance in the critical zone beneath the embankment. Moreover, the study emphasizes the impact of soil column depth, thickness, and relative density on the embankment soil response. These findings provide valuable insights for designing resilient embankments in seismically active regions.