Abstract: Stability and deformation are main issues of embankment construction on soft soils. The techniques of basal reinforcement and pile support could enhance the embankment stability and control the subgrade settlement. Through laboratory model tests, prototype monitoring and numerical modeling, researches on the soil arching effect and reinforcement tensioned membrane effect as well as the load transfer mechanism have been in consistency. A variety of design methods of GRPS (Geosynthetic-reinforced and Pile-supported) embankments have come into being. However, researches on the arching shape and the conditions of arching development have not reached an agreement. Quantitative studies on the variation regularity of arching effect under repeated loading are in lack. The control of embankment settlement hasn’t received sufficient attention in current design specifications. On the basis of previous research achievements, the mechanism and application of GRPS embankments are expounded, and suggestions for further researches are put forward.

Key words: soft soil foundation, geosynthetic reinforced and pile-supported (GRPS) embankments, soil arching effect, pile efficacy