Structural Analysis of Backfill Highway Subgrade on the Lower Bearing Capacity Foundation Using the Finite Element Method

Abstract

The present study is to investigate the stability of the backfill subgrade on the lower bearing capacity foundation. A finite element (FE) model was constructed to simulate the high-filled road subjected to the actual self-weight load. The strength reduction method was adopted to establish an analysis model of slope stability. At the same time, the sensitivity analysis of the factors affecting the slope stability was carried out through parametric studies, including the elastic modulus, cohesion, internal friction angle, and slope rate. The results showed that the slope stability analysis model established by the strength reduction method can characterize the stability of the slope by calculating the slope safety coefficient. The mutation point of the relationship curve between the displacement generated in the slope and the reduction coefficient can be used as the criterion. Under the condition of a given strength reduction coefficient, the calculated results obtained through FE modeling can show the development of the equivalent plastic zone in the form of cloud diagrams.