The impact of geosynthetics on embankment performance using finite element modelling - a case study

Embankment stability is a critical concern in geotechnical engineering, particularly in regions with challenging soil conditions. This study employs finite element modelling using Plaxis2D to evaluate the effectiveness of geotextiles in enhancing embankment performance. The research focuses on embankments with 18°, 27°, and 45° slopes in Teknaf, Bangladesh, an area characterized by soft, clay-rich soils. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) geotextiles were strategically incorporated into the embankments to improve stability. Key factors, including embankment height, slope angle, geotextile properties, and loading conditions, were analyzed in the simulations. The results demonstrated that the geotextile combinations reduce settlement by 48 % and were particularly effective on steeper slopes (45°), increasing embankment stability by 35 %. These findings highlight the potential of geotextiles to significantly reduce settlement and enhance overall stability compared to unreinforced embankments. The study also underscores the critical role of slope angle, showing that steeper slopes demand more reinforcement. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of geotextile applications in embankment construction and offers practical insights for optimizing design and stability in engineering projects.