ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the material properties used in the pre-design charts of the Geosynthetic Encased Granular Columns (GECs)-reinforced foundation inserted into Annexes I and II. Some calculation examples are also presented afterward to demonstrate how to use the pre-design charts. The adopted soil parameters are deemed to be typical and cover a range of values normally found in projects involving soft soil treatment with GECs. Some examples are presented aiming to calculate the desire variables for a hypothetical GECs system. In order to perform a suitable analysis, two design approaches should be satisfied: the Ultimate Limit State and the Serviceability Limit State. The increase in soil vertical stress due to embankment loading generates an increase in horizontal stresses, which are subsequently transferred into the adjacent structures. The bridge foundation piles near the abutment base are under impact of the horizontal forces induced by the horizontal thrust in the soft soil.
