Behavior of Low Height Embankment Under Earthquake Loading

Low height embankments are widely used as road embankments for highways and rural roads in India. Sometimes, the construction of such types of embankments on soft foundation soil becomes mandatory. In addition to the problematic soft foundation soil, seismic excitation might also play a significant role in the stability of such an embankment. The present study analyses the response of a low height embankment with soft foundation soil under earthquake loading. Numerical simulations have been performed using FLAC2D program. A stiffer half-space with higher shear wave velocity (Vs) has been considered below the soft foundation soil and the earthquake loading has been applied at the bottom of this stiffer half-space. Simulation has been performed considering two different thicknesses of soft foundation soil. In addition to that, three different levels of earthquake shaking and Vs of the stiffer half-space have been considered in the analysis. Results have been presented in the form of PGA amplification, excess pore water pressure, horizontal, vertical static/seismic displacement, etc.