Effect of basal reinforcement on performance of floating geosynthetic encased stone column-supported embankment

In this paper, two centrifuge modeling tests were performed to investigate the influence of basal reinforcement on the global performance of floating geosynthetic encased stone column (GESC)-supported embankments. Based on the centrifuge tests, a 3-dimensional (3D) numerical modeling was carried out to investigate the influence of basal reinforcement on the deformation behavior of the floating GESC-supported embankment. The centrifuge and numerical modeling results showed that the basal reinforcement reduced total and uneven settlement at the embankment crest and base significantly. Moreover, the inclusion of the basal reinforcement significantly reduced the lateral displacement on top of the column, preventing outward bending of the floating GESCs below the embankment toe. However, the basal reinforcement increased the lateral displacement at the bottom of columns.