<p><p><h2>Project Summary/Scope:</h2>A new, 1- to 2-meter high railroad embankment was constructed alongside an existing railroad track. Geotextile Encased Columns (GECs) have been used in many railroad applications and were seen as an appropriate ground improvement solution given the soil conditions.</p><p>Subsurface Conditions: The embankment was to be constructed over up to 7 meters of peat, sludge, and clay with stiffness (ES) ranging from 0.7 to 2.3 MN/m2.</p><p>0.8-meter diameter GECs were used to support the embankment. The excavation method of GEC installation was used to avoid excessive vibrations to the existing railroad tracks.<br><h2>Performance Monitoring:</h2>Maximum settlements ranged from 90 to 170 mm after 1,400 days of measurement.<br><h2>Project Technical Paper:</h2>Raithel, M., Kirchner, A., Schade, C., and Leusink, E. (2005). “Foundation of constructions on very soft soils with geotextile encased columns- State of the art.” Geotechnical special publication- Innovations in grouting and soil improvement, 136, 1867-1877.<br><h2>Date Case History Prepared:</h2><strong> </strong>November 2012</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></p>