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    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://trid.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
      <url>https://trid.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle.jpg</url>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Two-dimensional experimental study on the degradation of soil arching effect considering foundation expansion</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2682025</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankments constructed over expansive soils must account for the influence of foundation swelling and shrinkage on their performance. This study experimentally investigated the evolution of the soil arching effect in GRPS embankments subjected to cyclic foundation deformation. Three plane strain model tests were conducted under varying embankment heights to examine the response of soil arching during both foundation shrinkage and swelling phases. The foundation shrinkage and swelling were simulated by the settling and uplifting of reinforced membrane. The evolution of the soil arch was characterized using measurements of foundation surface displacement, internal soil deformation, and soil pressure distribution. The formation and the degradation of soil arching were analysed during the settling and uplifting of foundation. During foundation settlement, deformation contours evolved from localized subsidence near the base into a well-defined arch spanning between the piles, which formed the soil arch. It facilitated load transfer from the subsoil to the pile heads. Increasing embankment height enhanced load transfer efficiency, reduced the pile–soil stress ratio, and promoted earlier and more stable arch formation under smaller differential settlements. During foundation expansion, the upward deformation of foundation produced an arch-shaped core expansion zone extending toward the upper fill. This process caused a substantial increase in soil pressure between piles, accompanied by a corresponding reduction in pile-head stress, leading to the degradation of soil arch. The degradation process was characterized by three distinct stages, compression phase, critical failure phase, and fully mobilized phase. Notably, embankments with greater fill height exhibited delayed degradation of the arching effect, indicating that higher overburden stress can mitigate the adverse influence of foundation expansion on GRPS system stability.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:29:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2682025</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Simulating Water Balance of Road Embankment Lysimeters</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2113189</link>
      <description><![CDATA[An alternative to dumping mineral materials containing moderate amounts of contaminants into landfills is to reuse them in road embankments and noise protection barriers. To ensure groundwater protection, seepage of precipitation water through these materials must be omitted or reduced to a minimum. Embankments consisting of both cohesive and coarse-grained soil materials under various designs of cover layers were investigated within six field lysimeters. To gain the understanding of the water balance, quantities of seepage water, as well as runoff in the cover layers and on the surface were monitored. When using moderately contaminated materials in earthworks, reliable prediction of the water balance is crucial. Thus, in this study 2.5 years of the lysimeter experiments were modeled using the finite element software Vadose/W. Results were compared to the experimental data. The unsaturated hydraulic characteristics of the core materials were known from experimental investigations. Those of the topsoil and the shoulder material were estimated from databases of similar soils. A climate boundary condition represented the daily mean of the actual climate data on-site including road runoff. The modeled water balances were in good agreement with the field data for the cohesive core material of low permeability. However, a tendency to overestimate of seepage water was observed, which was even higher in the lysimeters with coarse-grained materials. This is linked to the water-permeability of the shoulder material and demonstrates that the cover layers have a major influence on the water balance of the whole embankment.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 17:09:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2113189</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Multi-objective optimization design based on surrogate modelling for concrete column-supported embankment on soft ground</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2663720</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Optimizing column arrangements is a complex task in column-supported embankment design, because it requires balancing multiple performance objectives and cost. Consequently, a comprehensive optimization framework is essential for identifying the optimal column configuration during the design process. This study developed a multi-objective optimization approach for designing column arrangements to support embankments constructed on soft ground. The proposed approach integrates both sequential surrogate methods and adaptive evolutionary algorithms to predict and optimize column arrangements in column-supported embankment design. The proposed optimization framework was applied to a practical embankment project at the Xingxing interchange section. Four objective functions were defined using the global stability (Fs), maximum total settlement and differential settlement of the embankment surface (St, Sd), and cost of the concrete columns (C). Evaluation of the results confirmed the excellent prediction accuracy of the proposed method. Besides, compared with the original design, the optimal design achieved a 17% increase in Fs, and 4%, 0.39%, and 10% reduction in St, Sd, and C, respectively. The proposed optimization framework and its outcomes offer a practical strategy for optimizing investments in transportation embankment projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 08:54:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2663720</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Causes of Excessive Settlements of Pavements Behind Bridge Abutments and Their Remedies: Phase II (Complete Report)</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2680632</link>
      <description><![CDATA[To evaluate the causes of bridge approach settlement a survey of 758 bridge approaches in seventy-seven counties of Oklahoma was conducted. In this survey, data related to the following items were collected: (i) bridge, abutment, approach, and slope protection structure; (ii) embankment material. Information related to the construction and maintenance for these approaches was collected by interviewing Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) personnel and searching records maintained at ODOT. The analyses of data show that the settlement problem is extensive in Oklahoma, namely, 83% of the approaches surveyed experienced settlement. It was observed that on the basis of long term performance rigid and flexible approaches are similar, but on a short term basis, rigid approaches experience lower differential settlement. Pile supported abutments as compared to stub type and high embankments with no drainage for the fills appear to be conducive to larger settlements. In general, skewed approaches have a higher settlement than non-skewed approaches. Regression techniques were used to develop an empirical relationship between the approach settlement and the causative parameters such as age of the approach, embankment height, traffic volume, and skewness of the approach. As a preliminary work for the next phase of the study, soil samples were collected from two sites. Comprehensive laboratory testing was conducted on these samples with the purpose of determining their site-specific embankment and foundation soil characteristics which may be used in a settlement prediction model.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:08:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2680632</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>FEABAS A User-Friendly Software for Prediction of Bridge Approach Settlement</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2675158</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge approach settlement is a major problem in highway design as well as maintenance. It creates an unsafe and uncomfortable riding surface. This report presents the details of a software that was developed at the University of Oklahoma, through a project funded jointly by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHW A). The objective of the software was to analyze the settlement characteristics of the problematic bridge approach sites in Oklahoma. To this end, a nonlinear Finite Element (FE) analysis procedure was developed for predicting the consolidation settlement of the foundation soil at a bridge approach due to the surcharge of embankment construction, as well as the settlement of the embankment itself due to the vehicular traffic loads. The software package, called FEABAS, is divided into a number of different modules: Preprocessor, Data Converter, FE Main Program, and Postprocessor. FEABAS works completely in the Windows operating environment in IBM compatible PC's. The interactive nature of the software makes it user-friendly; especially the graphical interface of the preprocessor enhances the data input operation. Existing data files can also be modified or edited using the preprocessor. The preprocessor is written in Actor 4.0 , which is a complete development environment and programming language that make it easy to develop stand-alone applications for Microsoft Windows Version 3.0 or later. This report presents an overview of the steps involved in analyzing bridge approach settlement using the software package. FEABAS is a very useful tool for conducting parametric studies of a problematic bridge approach site to identify some of the important causative factors and their relative significance, that are expected to be helpful in finding appropriate remedial measures to the problem. The bridge approach settlement at a site in Oklahoma was predicted using FEABAS for illustration and application. The various capabilities of the software including graphical output are illustrated.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:09:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2675158</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A deep learning framework incorporating physical knowledge for predicting surface settlement of pile-supported embankment</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2622332</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pile-supported embankment (PSE) is widely used in highway, railway, and other projects due to its advantages, including rapid construction and significant settlement control, with settlement being a key indicator in its design. Despite the great potential of data-driven methods in predicting PSE settlement, the large sample size required due to complex on-site conditions, coupled with the difficulty in obtaining precise data, has hindered their widespread applications. This study proposes a deep learning framework incorporating physical knowledge for predicting surface settlement of pile-supported embankment (the Physics-PSPSE framework). This framework not only reduces the demand for sample sizes from numerical simulations and field measurements but also significantly improves the accuracy of PSE surface settlement prediction. The framework includes two methods for incorporating physical knowledge into deep learning models for PSE settlement prediction: one is to integrate physical knowledge as embedded features, and the other is to use physical knowledge to generate samples for pretraining. Through systematic ablation experiments, it was verified that both methods significantly improve the prediction accuracy of the model. To validate the framework, we construct and open-source a dataset containing 1,918 PSE finite element settlement analysis models. In addition, we explored the impact of the pre-training sample size generated based on physical knowledge on the model’s prediction accuracy, and analyzed the specific contribution of integrating physical knowledge to reducing the sample requirements of deep learning models. The code is publicly available at https://github.com/Up-in-the-wind/Physics-PSPSE-framework.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:17:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2622332</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Geosynthetic-reinforced soil embankment and foundation systems subjected to reverse faulting considering soil softening behavior</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2622324</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study conducted a series of finite element analyses on geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) embankment and foundation systems subjected to reverse fault movement. Two advanced constitutive models were considered: the hardening soil (HS) model and the NorSand (NS) model, with the latter selected to account for soil softening along the shear band under large fault displacements. The numerical models were validated by comparing their predictions with test data for reduced-scale GRS embankments with and without geocell-reinforced foundations. Subsequently, stress and displacement data were extracted to examine the performance and reinforcing mechanisms of the GRS embankment and foundation system. The development of the shear band, lateral earth pressure distribution, embankment facing deformation, and mobilization of the reinforcement tensile force were evaluated. The numerical results revealed that the NS model accurately captured the system’s shear strain propagation and embankment facing deformation; this is because this model accounts for soil softening. By contrast, the HS model underestimated these responses. The numerical analyses also revealed that incorporating a geocell mattress into the foundation effectively mitigated shear band propagation from the foundation to the overlying embankment and reduced ground deformation induced by fault displacement, resulting in reduced lateral earth pressure and embankment facing deformation. In summary, geocells provide high confining pressure to infill soil, which increases its shear strength to intercept the upward propagation of shear bands and enhances bending stiffness to distribute stress over a wider influential fault zone, thereby preventing ground breakthrough in concentrated areas.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:17:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2622324</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Experimental and numerical insights into geosynthetic behavior in pile-supported embankments</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2605360</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Pile-supported embankments on soft soil are currently reinforced by geosynthetics. Many analytical methods have been developed to design geosynthetics, but they are simplistic and do not consider all of the complexity of the developed mechanisms. Despite all of the difficulties met when simulating the behavior of pile-supported embankments in a laboratory, it has been shown that 1 g physical modeling tests can help in understanding this behavior. A new small-scale model is developed to reproduce the behavior of a pile-supported embankment at a scale of 1/10. A study is conducted to find and qualify a foam simulating the behavior of soft soil. The first tests validate the ability of the device to simulate the behavior of a pile-supported embankment correctly. The numerical procedure could also be used to define the load distribution mechanism in geosynthetic pile-supported embankment. Accurate reproduction of stress mechanisms in pile-supported systems requires strict experimental control. Laboratory tests revealed edge and toe stress concentrations, while numerical simulations showed an inverse distribution. These results underscore the necessity of isolating the central grid and realistically modeling soft soil behavior.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2605360</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance comparison of capped pile and piled beam support systems for embankments on soft soils</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2597153</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Geographical locations with soft soil present significant challenges for constructing transportation earthworks due to the soil’s high compressibility and low shear strength. Pile-supported embankments are a proven solution; however, the relative performance of different pile–cap–beam configurations under equal area coverage ratio (ACR) conditions remains insufficiently quantified. This study investigates the hydromechanical behavior of soft soils improved using Capped Pile Supported Embankment (CPSE) and Piled Beam Supported Embankment (PBSE) systems through fully coupled three-dimensional numerical analyses calibrated against field data. The models incorporate geosynthetic-reinforced cushion layers and examine basal pressures, excess pore pressures, settlements, lateral displacements, and pile/beam deformation patterns. Results show that, at equal ACR, CPSE transfers vertical loads more directly to piles, reducing centerline settlement, whereas PBSE provides greater lateral restraint, reducing horizontal movement at the slope toe. Parametric analyses for embankments of 5 m and 10 m height reveal that PBSE generally offers higher stability, with optimal ACR ranges depending on embankment height. These findings provide a controlled baseline for performance comparison and inform future optimization, including considerations for traffic-induced bending, cyclic loading, and seismic effects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:49:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2597153</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Influence of embankment properties on dynamic response considering liquefiable foundation soil</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2592553</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A finite element method-based numerical study is conducted to analyze the response of a homogeneous embankment constructed on liquefiable sand ground using the UBC3D-PLM constitutive model. The study evaluates responses at significant locations, including the crest, settlement at the middle slope, and heave at the free ground surface. A parametric study is carried out by varying the cohesion of the embankment soil, width, height, and slope of the embankment. The parametric study has been conducted on two cases: cyclic and seismic. The first case involves motion consisting of 20 cycles with a frequency of 1.5 Hz and an amplitude of 0.2 g, while the second case involves nine real ground motions. Moreover, the primary focus of the study is on examining the variation of excess pore water pressure ratio beneath the embankment toe. The results of the present study showed that for strong-motion events where the Arias intensity exceeds 0.8, peak ground acceleration is the most effective parameter for measuring the variability of displacements caused by earthquakes. However, for weak-motion events, the period of the motion must be considered. The analysis emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the combination of embankment height and width during the design process.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:02:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2592553</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stability Analysis of Slopes and Embankment Foundations: Bibliography</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2576332</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This bibliography contains 62 citations on the topic of stability analysis of slopes and embankment foundations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2025 18:56:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2576332</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thermal effects analysis of separated crushed-rock embankment configurations on underlying permafrost</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2589264</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The thermal stability of embankments in permafrost regions is significantly influenced by rising temperatures resulting from climate change and engineering activities. This study examines the thermal interactions and cooling performance of various separated embankment types—including ordinary embankments (SOE), crushed rock-based embankments (SCE), and two hybrid configurations (SCFE and SCRE)—through a combination of field monitoring data and numerical simulations conducted along the Gonghe–Yushu high-grade highway (GYHH). A comprehensive numerical model encompassing air, porous media, and soil domains was developed to simulate convective and conductive heat transfer processes under complex permafrost conditions. Results show that the SCE effectively raises the permafrost table and reduces the maximum thawing depth due to enhanced ventilation and heat dissipation. Hybrid embankments exhibit asymmetric thermal behavior influenced by the placement of the crushed-rock structure; notably, the SCFE configuration (crushed-rock in the front) demonstrates superior cooling performance compared to SCRE. These findings offer theoretical support for optimizing embankment design to enhance the long-term stability of road infrastructure in permafrost regions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:30:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2589264</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Modeling of PVD-improved embankment underneath soft sensitive clays considering soil disturbance</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2587253</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Plastic Vertical Drains (PVDs) are commonly used in soft soil foundation treatment as a means to facilitate drainage and accelerate the consolidation process, significantly improving foundation strength and stability. However, existing studies mainly focus on the drainage effect and consolidation efficiency of PVD, with limited attention given to the impact of PVD installation on the structure and time-dependent properties of soft soil. This paper investigates the influence of soil disturbance induced by the installation of PVD in soft sensitive clays. Three typical matching techniques for modeling the PVD-improvement under the plane strain condition are adopted for comparison. An advanced elasto-viscoplastic model accounting for anisotropy and destructuration of natural soft clay is employed. A well-documented PVD-improved test embankment is adopted for simulations by the elasto-viscoplastic model combined with three mapping techniques respectively. To quantify the degree of soil disturbance, a new variable, δ, is introduced as an additional input parameter to the model, enabling the consideration of soil disturbance-induced strength degradation and hydraulic conductivity modification. The predictions of settlement, vertical displacement, horizontal displacement and excess water pore pressure, using different values of δ, are compared against field measurements. An appropriate value of δ is determined for each mapping technique based on the quality of the fit to the measurements. The results demonstrate that soil disturbance has a significant impact on settlement. Finally, the performance of the three mapping techniques is evaluated in terms of predictive accuracy and practical applicability.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:16:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2587253</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Calibration of partial factors for tensile strain design in geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankment</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2522145</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported (GRPS) embankments are widely used for the construction of infrastructure projects on weak ground. The design approach in Eurocode 7 (EC7) provides a reliability-based design framework for GRPS embankments. However, there has been limited focus on the calibration of specific design models based on statistical data from measurements within this framework. This limitation restricts the quantitative consideration of potential uncertainties and the measurement of project risks, especially concerning the service limit state. This paper presents the calibration of the partial factors within the general framework of EC7 for the geosynthetic strain design of GRPS embankments. The solution considers the model bias and uncertainties within the choice of nominal values of the action (load) and resistance term. Novel modified methods are proposed to improve the prediction accuracy and remove the hidden dependencies of two deterministic models based on a total of 54 data points collected from 20 full-scale embankment projects. Based on the statistics of the model bias, the partial factors are provided for the modified methods. A comparison between the calibration results from the modified model and those from the original design model is presented.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:01:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2522145</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evolution of Soil Arching in Geosynthetic-Reinforced Pile-Supported Embankment of a High-Speed Railway under Long-Term Train Traffic Loading and Excessive Subsoil Settlement</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2516970</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Soil arching formed in geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankments of high-speed railways plays an important role in transferring the forces within the embankments. In most cases of notable settlements and track irregularity of high-speed railways in China, excessive subsoil settlements and induced degradation of soil arching under long-term moving train loads are considered to be the primary causes. However, the evolution of soil arching remains unclear to date. Herein, a full-scale model of typical GRPS embankment of high-speed railways with dimensions of 5.5  (length)×15  (width)×6  m  (height) was established in the laboratory. Firstly, pile efficacy was evaluated during model preparation, which increased with the filling height and stabilized at 89%, due to the normal differential settlement between piles and subsoil. Afterward, the evolution of soil arching under moving train loads applied for up to 500,000 carriages with axle loads ranging from 17 to 25 tons and speeds from 50 to 360  km/h was studied, followed by another comparative condition with excessive differential settlements up to 90 mm between piles and subsoil. The dynamic testing results indicated that the dynamic pile efficacy under normal conditions remained consistent regardless of variations in train speed and axle load. Nevertheless, it decreased by 13.4% under the excessive differential settlement condition when the speed was higher than 150  km/h but was nearly unchanged under variations in only axle load from 17 to 40 tons. Besides, the height of outer soil arching increased from 1.3 to 1.7 m as the differential settlement reached 90 mm, presenting a notable variation of arching shape. Two empirical formulas considering various train speeds and axle loads were then proposed to describe the dynamic soil stress and pile efficacy on the surface of piled system. From the long-term loading tests, both the static and dynamic pile efficacy in the normal case increased by 0.9% and 2.8%, respectively, while those in the case with excessive differential settlement decreased by 4.8% and 3.9%, respectively. These results would contribute to the long-term performance evaluation of soil arching within GRPS embankment of high-speed railways, especially above soft soil foundations.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:21:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2516970</guid>
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