Analysis of Load Rate Variation Effects on Lateral Deformation of Soft Soil Using Preloading with PVD (Case Study of Pekanbaru–Padang Toll Road STA 10+400)
Abstract
Construction of embankments on soft soil often encounters stability issues due to low shear strength and high compressibility, particularly when the loading rate is not properly controlled. This study aims to analyze the effect of embankment loading rate on lateral deformation behavior of soft soil improved using preloading combined with Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD). The research is based on a case study of the Pekanbaru–Padang Toll Road STA 10+400. The methodology involves numerical analysis using the Finite Element Method (FEM), preceded by manual calculations to determine staged loading scenarios with target degrees of consolidation. Three loading rates were evaluated, namely 0,2; 0,3 and 0,4 m/week. The analysis focuses on settlement, safety factor, and lateral deformation. The results indicate that all loading rate variations produce similar final settlements (approximately 3,7 m) and meet the required degree of consolidation. However, significant differences are observed in lateral deformation and stability. Lower loading rates result in smaller lateral deformation and higher safety factors, indicating improved stability performance. Conversely, higher loading rates generate greater excess pore water pressure, leading to increased lateral deformation and reduced stability margins. It can be concluded that controlling the loading rate plays a critical role in minimizing lateral deformation and ensuring embankment stability on soft soil. A lower loading rate is more effective in providing sufficient time for consolidation and strength gain, thereby improving overall performance.
Full text article
References
Badarinath, R., & El Naggar, H. (2021). Improving the Stability of High Embankments Founded on Soft Marine Clay by Utilizing Prefabricated Vertical Drains and Controlling the Pace of Construction. International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering, 7(3), 68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40891-021-00312-8
Carrillo, N. (1942). Simple Two and Three Dimensional Case in The Theory of Consolidation of Soils. Journal of Mathematics and Physics, 21(1–4), 1–5.
Das, B. M. (1994). Mekanika Tanah (Prinsip – Prinsip Rekayasa Geotekniks) (Jilid II). Erlangga.
Han, J. (2015). Principles and Practice of Ground Improvement. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hird, C. C., Pyrah, I. C., & Russel, D. (1992). Finite element modelling of vertical drains beneath embankments on soft ground. Géotechnique, 42(3), 499–511. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1992.42.3.499
Kurniawan, A. T., Imananto, E. I., & Yudianto, E. A. (2025). Perencanaan Perbaikan Tanah dengan Menggunakan PVD (Prefabricated Vertical Drain) dan Timbunan (Preloading) pada Pembangunan Gedung ITS Tower 3. Jurnal Spesialis Teknik Sipil, 6(2).
Mulifandi, A. W., Satrya, T. R., Soemitro, R. A. A., & Hardiningsih, S. H. (2024). Effect of Embankment Construction Pace on Slope Stability Wih Varied Heights on Organic Soft Soil in the Sicincin-Padang Toll Road Sta 10+250-10+400. Journal of Infrastructure and Facility Asset Management, 6(3). https://iptek.its.ac.id/index.php/jifam/article/view/19953/8112
Naibaho, A. G., & Waruwu, A. (2021). Study on Capacity of Pile Group in Soft Soil Using a Small-Scale Laboratory. Media Komunikasi Teknik Sipil, 27(2), 179–186. https://doi.org/10.14710/mkts.v27i2.33737
Panduan Geoteknik 4: Timbunan Jalan Pada Tanah Lunak, Kementerian PUPR (2002).
Prayitno, D. P., & Purwanto, E. (2025). Studi Pemilihan Alternatif Perkuatan Timbunan Badan Jalan di Atas Tanah Lunak dengan Metode Elemen Hingga dan Sistem Pengambilan Keputusan. Jurnal Aplikasi Teknik Sipil, 23(3), 253–262. https://iptek.its.ac.id/index.php/jats/article/download/23137/9391
Rosidi, D. (2022). Incremental Strength Gain Considerations in Staged Roadway Construction. Civil Engineering Dimension, 24(2), 125–132. https://doi.org/10.9744/ced.24.2.125-132
SNI 8460:2017 Persyaratan Perancangan Geoteknik (2017).
Talukdar, P., & Dey, A. (2021). Influence of the Rate of Construction on the Response of PVD Improved Soft Ground. In Problematic Soils and Geoenvironmental Concerns (pp. 35–46). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6237-2_4
Yi, S., & Liu, J. (2022). Field investigation of steel pipe pile under lateral loading in extensively soft soil. Frontiers in Materials, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2022.971485
Zahera, N., Mochtar, I. B., & Satrya, T. R. (2021). Pemecahan Masalah Stabilitas Abutment dan Oprit Jembatan di Atas Tanah Lunak Menggunakan Relieving Platform. Jurnal Aplikasi Teknik Sipil, 19(3), 311.
Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Dini Oktavia, Dian Purnamawati Solin, Bagas Aryaseta
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The use of articles published by this journal is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution license as currently displayed on CC BY 4.0