Towards consistent numerical analyses of embankments on soft soils

A consistent automated parameter derivation method for an advanced constitutive model, Creep-SCLAY1S, which considers anisotropy, structure and creep in soft soil is presented. The algorithms are implemented in a general purpose numerical framework and are robust for noisy data. The accuracy of the derived parameters are benchmarked against a well known test case: the Haarajoki test embankment. The results show that using the proposed methodology, a consistent parameter set is derived that enables accurate laboratory data and boundary value level simulations with limited to no major user intervention. The only remaining user input relates to the adjustment of the pre-consolidation pressure with 3 kPa. This difference between the laboratory and boundary value simulations is attributed mainly due to somewhat low quality of the samples.