FOUNDATION DESIGN OF EMBANKMENTS CONSTRUCTED ON VARVED CLAYS

Varved clays are glacial deposits composed of alternate silt and clay layers. They have strength and permeability characteristics which are more highly anisotropic than other cohesive soils and which complicate evaluation of stability and prediction of consolidation behavior. The report reviews the engineering properties of varved clays and methods of stabilizing soft cohesive foundations beneath embankments. It then describes in detail recommended design procedures for use with embankments constructed on varved clay deposits and presents recommendations for evaluating the soil parameters required. An overall design methodology is presented and site investigation and construction supervision requirements are discussed. The detailed analytical design procedure is demonstrated using an example design problem.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • See also report dated Jun 75, PB-247 734.
• Corporate Authors:

  Ladd (Charles C.)

  Tai Bell Spring Road
  Concord, MA  United States  01742

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Implementation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Ladd, C C
  • Foott, R
• Publication Date: 1977-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 248 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Clay; Construction; Deformation curve; Design; Drainage; Embankment foundations; Embankments; Foundations; Properties of materials; Settlement (Structures); Soil stabilization; Soil tests; Varved clays
• Uncontrolled Terms: Site investigation
• Old TRIS Terms: Settlement structural
• Subject Areas: Construction; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00169754
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-TS-77-214 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-8973
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 14 1978 12:00AM