An Experimental Investigation of a Full-Scale Reinforced Lightweight Aggregate Embankment

This paper presents the result of an experimental investigation on a full-scale reinforced lightweight aggregate embankment. The reinforced body was expanded clay aggregates, reinforced with geotextile facing. Loadings included self-weight, static surcharge applied using concrete slabs on top of the embankment, and dynamic loads simulated by a vibrator on top of the concrete slabs as well as dropping weight impacts. The system was designed using load and resistance factor design. Measured parameters included lateral and vertical deformations, velocity, and acceleration during tests. This paper covers design and construction details of the built embankment. Results indicate viability of using lightweight expanded clay aggregate in the proposed mechanically stabilized earth walls with geotextile facing as a mean for accelerated construction of bridge abutments.