(c)
Figure 4: Comparison of FEM simulations of (a) settlement curve (b) lateral displacement (c) excess pore water pressure for the verified FEM model vs. case(2a) + case(2b) (surcharge and PVD + vacuum and PVDs) scenario
Superposition law and coupling in the ideal model
For better evaluation of superposition law validity and the coupling effect, two different models were simulated based on the verified model considering a constant ideal vacuum pressure of 60 kpa assumption for all the 160 days. Again two separate cases and three main parameters as settlement (centerline), lateral displacement (toe of the embankment), and the excess pore pressure (3 meters beneath centerline) was considered as:
(a) Only surcharge preloading without PVDs and (b) vacuum and PVDs.
(a) surcharge and PVDs and (b) vacuum and PVDs