Numerical analysis of improved deep soft foundation for highways by use of D-M method

Newly developed D-M method was a combination of vertical drain consolidation and cement mixing,and it had been proved to be suitable for the improvement of deep soft soil under highway embankment.According to the Yancheng test section of Huai’an-Yancheng Highway project,three kinds of construction conditions including D-M method,PVD consolidation and cement mixing,were simulated by 2D finite element software Plaxis.The simulated results were contrasted and analyzed to cognize the mechanism and behavior of embankment and soft soil improved by D-M method.The characteristics of total settlement,settlement of different layers,lateral displacement,potential slip surface and dissipation of excess pore pressure were also presented.