Monitoring and Performance of Embankments on Soft Soil: Juturnaíba Trial Embankment and Other Experiences in Brazil

• Published in: Soils & rocks Vol. 34; no. 4; pp. 353 - 378
• Main Authors: Coutinho, R.Q., Bello, M.I.M.C.V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2011
• DOI: 10.28927/SR.344353
• ISSN: 1980-9743

The accurate performance of instrumentation is fundamental to the adequate use of the results obtained from analyzing the behavior of constructions of embankments on soft soils. When evaluating embankment behavior, the geotechnical instrumentation for pore pressure and vertical and horizontal displacements measurements can be an extremely useful tool, including when there are adjacent structures. This paper presents the results of monitoring and analysis of the performance of embankments on soft soil, carried out by the Geotechnical Group (GEGEP) of the Federal University of Pernambuco. Three Brazilian cases are presented: the Juturnaíba trial embankment and Juturnaíba Dam construction, in Rio de Janeiro; and the access embankments of the Jitituba River Bridge, in Alagoas. The analysis of embankment behavior was performed by using the traditional model (undrained condition during construction) and the Tavenas & Leroueil (1980) model (partially drained condition during construction). The results showed that it is possible to predict embankment behavior. They also showed the complexity of this topic and the importance of monitoring and evaluating each case in accordance with the location and the type of instrument, subsoil and embankment conditions.