ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the behavior of embankments in two particular cases. First, the case of an embankment built on soft soil, and then the collapse of an embankment made of compacted materials as a result of soaking. This second case is analyzed using the Barcelona Basic Model (BBM) considering and without considering the effect of the microstructure of compacted soils. The model proposed by Alonso extends the BBM to include the soil microstructure. The model assumes that the matric suction affects only the macropores and that the water, that occupies the micropores, has a small effect on stresses. The chapter describes a solution that provides the stress distribution in an elastic half-space produced by a triangular distribution of stresses. The first stage of the embankment is constructed when the foundation soil is in unconsolidated conditions; in other words, without undergoing any increase in effective vertical stress.
