Centrifugal Modeling of an Embankment Backfilled with Lime-Stabilized Soil on Marine Clay

A centrifugal model test was performed for an embankment backfilled with lime-stabilized soil on an undisturbed marine clay foundation. During the test, in-flight photographs were captured, settlements were measured by displacement sensors, and displacement contours were obtained from the markers installed on the front face of the model foundation. These test data were analyzed and discussed in this paper. The test results show that the embankment was stable at 2 m height but ruptured during the loading from 2 to 4 m height. The ratio of the maximum horizontal displacement increment to the ground settlement increment at the embankment centerline suddenly increased during the loading from 4 to 6 m height, indicating the failure of the foundation. This result is in agreement with the observation of the centrifugal test and the calculated Terzaghi ultimate bearing capacity under an undrained condition. Considering the brittle behavior and low tensile strength of the lime-stabilized soil, it is recommended that the lime-stabilized soil should only be used for a low embankment with a height less than 2 meters.