Geosynthetics August/September 2021 - 13

Geosynthetic-reinforced
column-supported
embankments: Improving
practice with better theory
By Jie Han
T
his article summarizes the third Dr. Robert M. Koerner Lecture given by the
author at the 2021 Geosynthetics Virtual Conference. This lecture series was
established by the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) to honor Koerner
for his leadership and significant contributions to the geosynthetics industry. In
the fifth edition of the classic book entitled Designing with Geosynthetics, Koerner
(2005) stated, " The latest application area in the context of foundation and basal
soil reinforcement is the use of geogrids to span deep foundations placed through
compressible soils [54, 55]. The geogrids span from pile cap to pile cap, reducing
localized settlement in the supported embankment system. " The two references
54 and 55 cited by Professor Koerner were published by Han and Gabr (2002)
and Han and Akins (2002). The first paper was published based on a numerical
study, which is theoretical, while the second paper summarized three case studies
of geogrid-reinforced pile-supported embankments (now commonly referred to
as geosynthetic-reinforced column-supported embankments or GRCS embankments
in the U.S.), which are practical. Clearly, Koerner (2005) conveyed an
important message that a successful technology involving geosynthetics not only
should have solid theories but also should be practical to solve real problems.
The third Dr. Robert M. Koerner Lecture entitled " Geosynthetic-reinforced
column-supported embankments: Bridging theory and practice " was prepared
and delivered following this philosophy. Although this article summarizes the
key contents of the lecture, it emphasizes the important point: Improving practice
with better theory.
Background of technology
Differential settlement is a common problem for civil engineering applications
when superstructures or earth structures are constructed on soft
Jie Han, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, is
the Glenn L. Parker Professor
of Geotechnical Engineering
in the Civil, Environmental,
and Architectural Engineering
Department at the University of
Kansas in Lawrence, Kan.
All figures courtesy of the author except where noted
www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com
13

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Geosynthetics August/September 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics August/September 2021

Geosynthetics August/September 2021 - Cover1
Geosynthetics August/September 2021 - Cover2
Geosynthetics August/September 2021 - 1
Geosynthetics August/September 2021 - 2
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Geosynthetics August/September 2021 - Cover3
Geosynthetics August/September 2021 - Cover4
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