Geotechnical Challenges in Embankment Construction on Soft Ground

Authors

  • Abdullahi Nasir Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia Author
  • Asad Naseem Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia Author
  • Dayang Zulaika Abang Hasbollah Centre of Tropical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia Author
  • Bakhtiar Affandy Othman Centre of Tropical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia Author
  • Mohd Firdaus Md Dan @ Azlan Sustainable Geostructure and Underground Exploration, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia Author
  • Lee Hooi Chie Global Water Consultant SDN BHD, Bandar Tasik Selatan, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70028/cpir.v1i2.50

Keywords:

Embankment, Soft Ground , Settlement , Stability, Geosynthetics

Abstract

The construction of embankments over soft ground poses various geotechnical challenges, including settlement, stability problems, and financial impacts. This review paper presents a comprehensive case study of three projects, each demonstrating different approaches to mitigating these challenges. The first case study examines the use of wick drains and counterweight fills at Salamanga in Mozambique to evaluate their effectiveness in accelerating consolidation and improving stability. The second case study investigates the performance of geosynthetic reinforcement combined with floating pile walls in Egypt, focusing on settlement reduction and economic savings through design optimization. The third case study explores the application of lightweight fill materials and preloading techniques for shallow soil strata in an urban environment. A comparative assessment is provided, analyzing these methods in terms of feasibility, applicability, cost-effectiveness, and geotechnical performance. The paper concludes with a critical discussion offering practical insights into the most effective strategies for constructing embankments on soft ground, thereby guiding future projects. 

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2025-10-24

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Geotechnical Challenges in Embankment Construction on Soft Ground. (2025). Current Problems in Research, 1(2), Pp. 96-107. https://doi.org/10.70028/cpir.v1i2.50

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