Seismic response of light embankments on soft soils
In the presence of layers of very unstable ground, characterized by high thicknesses, it is now common practice to build lightweight road embankments and / or compensate them by using expanded clay. This technique is used to reduce sagging, that is often experienced while carrying out the works, increasing the durability and reducing maintenance costs. This article will take into consideration the seismic response of compensated embankments and will discuss the factors that most influence it. We will use three different approaches: (i) the pseudo-static, (ii) the displacement method and (iii) it will also critically discuss the results of numerical analysis’ carried out by using a finite difference computer program.