Investigation of behaviour of road embankment under traffic loads by finite element analysis method

This thesis represents a comprehensive analysis to understand the deformation behaviour of road embankments under traffic loads and to provide information for engineering design. In the study, the deformation behaviour of the road embankment under traffic loads is investigated using Plaxis finite element analysis method. In the introductory chapter, the subject is explained in general terms and the aim of the thesis is emphasised. In the second chapter, important studies in the literature on road infrastructure engineering and soil improvement with geosynthetics are reviewed and the effects of traffic loads on the road embankment are emphasised. In the material and method section of the research, the classification of geosynthetics, properties and application areas of geosynthetics, and other important properties of geosynthetics are discussed. The subject of soil improvement with geogrids is detailed and the road design process and related regulations are given under subheadings. The basic principles of Plaxis finite element analysis method are explained, analysis scenarios are determined and data collection methods are examined in detail. The selection of the parameters used in the analysis and the modelling process are discussed in detail. In the research and findings section of the study, the analysis outputs of the road embankment designs without geogrid reinforcement under different traffic load scenarios and with geogrid reinforcement under different traffic load scenarios are discussed. The results are analysed in detail to determine the magnitude, distribution and duration of deformations and stresses under traffic loads. The results of the study are evaluated in terms of total, permanent and elastic deformation, Traffic Benefit Ratio (TBR) and Rut Depth Ratio (RDR). In the results and discussion section, the results of the analyses are compared with the literature and the potential implications of the findings for engineering applications are discussed. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future studies are also discussed in this section. According to the results of this study, the geogrid reinforced road set performed better than the unreinforced case.