A Mechanical Model and Solution for Dynamic Response of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Pile-Supported Embankment under Traveling Loads

To evaluate the mechanical behavior and the load transfer mechanisms of a geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankment under traffic load, an analytical model is developed based on elastodynamic theory, and its solution is derived rigorously. Since the present model is continuum based, the displacement and stress distributions in the embankment can be obtained analytically. Additionally, the present model takes the anisotropic property of the reinforced layer into consideration. The governing equations of the model are solved by introducing Fourier expansions of the field variables and making use of the theory of differential equations. With the boundary and interface conditions, the solution of the system is determined. The influences of some critical parameters are investigated. Here we show the load velocity has a significant influence on the response of the system, especially when it approaches the critical point. The present results suggest that the maximum efficiency of a single pile Max{EPi} at v = 100 m/s is almost 2 times higher than its value at v = 1 m/s. Some other parameters, such as pile cap spacing, embankment height, and the stiffness ratio between subsoil and piles, also affect the distributions of EPi, while the total pile efficiency EP only depends on the supporting properties. Some practical suggestions are also presented based on the parametric studies.