| Summary: | The use of vertical drains in embankments on soft soils is one of the most adequate techniques when the main purpose is to accelerate the consolidation. In the paper, three-dimensional behaviour of an embankment on soft soils incorporating vertical drains (geosynthetic band drains) is modeled with a computer program based on the finite element method. The program incorporates the Biot consolidation theory (coupled analysis) with constitutive relations simulated by the p-q- critical state model. The same problem without drains (two-dimensional analysis) is also performed. Special emphasis is given to the analysis, during and after the construction period, of the excess pore pressures, settlements, horizontal displacements and stress levels.
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