Centrifugal model tests on post-construction settlement of high embankment of Hechi Airport

Taking the high embankment of Hechi Airport as an example，the centrifugal model tests are carried out based on an unequal stress model design plan. The filling stones for tests are made by means of the similarity method of trapezoid distribution. The test results of change and settlement of unit fill height are consistent with the field data. The settlement of the shoulder is larger than that in the center of the embankment surface which presents saddle shape. There are no cracks in the embankment. It is shown that the main problem of the high embankment of Hechi Airport is not landslide or failure, but too large settlement. Finally, the exponential model is selected to predict the final post-construction settlement. Regardless of the post-construction settlement, residual settlement, grade and settlement rate, the results show that the gangue filling embankment will have large settlement and long construction period because of high content of flat-elongated particles and low strength of base materials.