Numerical modelling of soil arching in geosynthetic reinforced column supported embankments

Soil arching is one of the fundamental phenomenon in geotechnical engineering, and is relied upon when constructing column supported embankments on soft soil sites. This research outlines a modelling approach to allow for the improved simulation of soil arching in column supported embankments. The modelling approach is validated against recent experimental studies before being applied to extend the understanding of soil arching. The findings have implications for the theoretical understanding of soil arching, future experimental studies and the practical design of column supported embankments.