Michael P. McGuire, M. ASCE, P.E., Lafayette College; Aaron Gallant, M. ASCE, P.E., University of Maine

Column-supported embankments (CSEs) facilitate construction over soft ground by transferring a portion of embankment loading to an array of supporting columns. Geosynthetic reinforcement above the columns can enhance vertical load transfer and lateral stability. Properly designed and constructed CSEs can reduce post-construction settlement, shorten waiting periods associated with consolidation-based ground improvement, and limit ground movements that could affect adjacent facilities.

This half-day workshop examines the application and design of CSEs supporting roadways, railways, tanks, and structures. Participants will learn how embankment fill properties, geosynthetic reinforcement configuration, and column type, dimensions, spacing, and use of caps influence load transfer, settlement, and stability. Historical developments, column and geosynthetic technologies, and design and construction pitfalls will provide context for these decisions.

The workshop introduces the load-displacement compatibility (LDC) method for estimating settlement, vertical load transfer, and mobilization of geosynthetic reinforcement. It also presents a limit equilibrium approach to stability analysis that accounts for soil-column interaction and load transfer. Participants will learn to identify key design inputs and interpret analytical results in relation to CSE performance.

The workshop is intended for engineers with an undergraduate-level background in soil mechanics and prior exposure to deep foundation design, ground improvement using drilled columns, and the use of geosynthetics in reinforcement applications.