ABSTRACT
This research employs a three-dimensional finite element model to study soil arching evolution in a pile-supported and geogrid-reinforced (PSGR) embankment. Validated against data from a full-scale experiment, the study investigates the dynamics of soil arching during both embankment construction and static step-loading. Findings indicate that the stress concentration ratio, reflecting the average stress on the pile-cap relative to the subsoil, increases with embankment fill height but shows limited variation during static loading. Notably, the arch foot tends to concentrate at the edge and corner of the pile-cap, leading to an uneven stress distribution with higher stress at these locations compared to the center. Additionally, arching heights at different embankment locations are found to be approximately equal. This analysis provides valuable insights into the complex behavior of soil arching in PSGR embankments.
