Effect of soil material models on the prediction of earth embankment deformations.

The paper presents the modelling and assessment of a road embankment body after different construction phases using the finite element method (FEM) and the limit equilibrium method (LEM) for slope stability assessment. Different material models of soil (Mohr-Coulomb, Modified Mohr-Coulomb and Drucker-Prager) were used for modelling and assessment by FEM method. The deformation of the subsoil and the embankment was determined for each construction phases and the stability of the embankment slopes was assessed. The results obtained were compared with respect to the soil material model used as well as with respect to the calculation method used. In conclusion, it was found that it is more appropriate to use non-linear material models for stability calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]