This comprehensive study in geotechnical engineering presents valuable insights and advancements in the field of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Pile-Supported Embankments (GRPS). The study focuses on the analysis of pile caps in GRPS using three-dimensional finite element modeling, specifically employing PLAXIS-3D software. The research investigates the effects of different pile head shapes on soil arching, settlement, and stress distribution, emphasizing the significance of pile head selection for enhancing soil arching and reducing ground settlement. The study recommends larger pile heads with flattened top surfaces, as demonstrated in sections 4 and 5, as optimal choices for pile head design in GRPS projects. The proposed analytical model captures the time-dependent settlement behavior of subsoils, but a slight underestimation of settlement after embankment construction suggests the need for further consideration of factors like pile settlement and bottom sandy silt settlement. Future research should refine the analytical model to improve settlement predictions by incorporating these factors. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of investigating GRPS embankments with floating piles, complex construction processes, water effects on soil arching, and embankment performance. It is noted that earthquake loading was not specifically addressed, indicating the need for comprehensive research in this area. Overall, this study contributes to the knowledge of GRPS embankments and provides recommendations for design, construction, and future research directions.
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