Soil Reinforcement Practice for Fills Over Soft Ground in Japan Available to Purchase

This paper summarizes the theory and practice of geosynthetic reinforcement of fills over extremely soft ground in Japan. Emphasis is placed on artificially reclaimed soft ground composed of marine soils which are characterized by high water contents and low shear strengths. The use of geosynthetics facilitates the movement of construction equipment and the placement of fill. The bearing capacity of the ground is improved by using high strength geosynthetics. Classical bearing capacity theory, cable theory combined with modulus of subgrade reaction theory, and plate theory are found to be useful in designing embankments on soft ground. The empirical parameters used in these theories are available for most projects. The unique geotechnical conditions of the soft ground typically inhibit the construction procedures specified in the design. The experience gained from past geosynthetic reinforced fill projects, one of which is highlighted in the paper, facilitates the improvement of fill placement and spreading techniques on soft ground.