InSAR Monitoring to Validate an Innovative Geotechnical Solution
Robroyston - Glasgow Scotland
Highlights
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Comprehensive Site Review: Conducted an extensive analysis of site investigation data to develop multiple ground model scenarios, accounting for the variability of site conditions. 
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Advanced 3D FEA Modelling: Built a detailed three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model to simulate the embankment, Stratum System, and underlying foundation soils. 
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Simulating Settlement Behaviour: Assessed consolidation and creep settlements to predict transverse and longitudinal differential settlements under diverse geological scenarios. 
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Cost Savings: The acceptance of Tensar’s Stratum System saved the client £0.5 million. 
Introduction
The Robroyston Station road embankment faced major geotechnical challenges due to soft peat pockets, requiring robust ground improvement to prevent settlement risks. Tensar's Stratum system offered a cost-effective alternative to deep interventions, but its performance needed validation. Using 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and InSAR monitoring, the project confirmed Stratum’s effectiveness, ensuring stability and cost savings.
Understanding the Challenges
The Complexity of Peat Soils
Peat soils are highly compressible, making settlement a major concern for the Robroyston embankment. Variability in peat thickness and composition added complexity, with differential settlement posing risks of uneven road surfaces and increased maintenance needs.
The Need for Ground Improvement
Traditional methods like deep piling or excavation were costly and environmentally disruptive. A more innovative, cost-effective solution was needed to meet technical and budget constraints.
Leveraging the Stratum System
Tensar’s Stratum System offered a geosynthetic-reinforced solution to enhance soil stability with minimal ground intervention. Validating its suitability for Robroyston required rigorous analysis.
Collaboration and Peer-Reviewed Methods
Partnering with Tensar, we developed a peer-reviewed 3D FEA methodology, incorporating site data and multiple ground models to address peat variability.
Advanced 3D FEA Modelling
Building the Model
The 3D FEA model simulated the embankment, Stratum System, and foundation soils, capturing key interactions and predicting performance under various conditions.
Key Features:
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Peat Representation: Accurate modelling of peat pockets, including thickness and properties.
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Consolidation & Creep Analysis: Assessment of long-term settlement behaviour.
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Differential Settlement Prediction: Identification of transverse and longitudinal settlement risks.
Predictive Insights
The FEA simulations validated the Stratum System’s effectiveness, accurately predicting settlement patterns and confirming its ability to mitigate differential settlements with millimetric precision.
Validating with InSAR Monitoring
InSAR technology was used alongside predictive modelling to monitor surface displacement during early project stages. This satellite-based method provided high-precision ground movement data, validating the Stratum system’s real-world performance.
Benefits of InSAR in This Context
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Non-Invasive: Continuous site monitoring without physical sensors or installations.
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Wide Coverage: Comprehensive data across the entire embankment, ensuring no issues are missed.
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High Precision: Millimetric accuracy confirming FEA-predicted settlement patterns.
By integrating InSAR, the project validated the Stratum system's effectiveness while providing stakeholders with real-time performance insights.
Project Outcomes
Cost Savings
The Stratum System saved £0.5 million over traditional methods while ensuring embankment safety and stability.
Environmental Advantages
By reducing intrusive interventions, the project minimised its environmental impact while ensuring efficient ground improvement.
Enhanced Predictive Capability
The integration of 3D FEA modelling and InSAR monitoring enhanced predictive accuracy, enabling proactive design adjustments and risk mitigation in geotechnical engineering.
Broader Implications
Innovation in Geotechnical Engineering
This project highlights the value of innovation in geotechnical engineering, demonstrating how advanced technologies can deliver efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions.
Applicability to Other Projects
The methodologies used for the Robroyston embankment can be applied to other projects with soft soils or complex ground conditions. Combining FEA modelling and InSAR monitoring provides a scalable solution for diverse geotechnical challenges.
Conclusion
The Robroyston embankment project presented geotechnical challenges and showcased Tensar’s Stratum system. Through site analysis, 3D FEA modelling, and InSAR validation, we demonstrated its effectiveness, resulting in a reliable embankment with significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
This project emphasises the value of integrating advanced technologies and collaboration to address complex engineering challenges.
For more insights into this case and other innovative geotechnical solutions, read this case study next.
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Want to learn more? Contact Geofem today to discover how InSAR can support your geotechnical needs.
