Use of Geosynthetic in Soft Soil Foundation in Mining Area: A Case Study with Analytical and Numerical Studies

The design of embankments on soft foundations with the application of geosynthetics is a subject frequently studied. In addition, the disposal of mine waste material is a needed challenge, due to area availability. In this context, this work presents a study case of application of geosynthetics for soft foundations treatment, to make feasible the construction of a mine waste pile embankment. The study also presents a stress–strain analysis via finite-element modeling considering a critical state soil mechanics approach. Then, a geosynthetic liner and internal drainage system design is presented based on the results of this analysis. Hence, this liner and internal drainage are required due to the environmental concerns of the waste material. Thus, a discussion on the use of critical state soil mechanics and the stress–strain finite-element method to assess the need for treatment on foundation for embankments construction in soft material is presented. The deformations assessed at the stress–strain study showed that the waste material would absorb the foundation strains with only controlling the rising ratio. Thus, the solution proposed with the numerical analysis reduces the reinforcement that would be proposed usually. Furthermore, the ease installation process and the large strains capabilities made possible an embankment construction on soft soil near to a mine industrial plant.