Three centrifugal model tests

i.e.

unreinforced embankment

gauze reinforced embankment

and dacron reinforced embankment

are performed to study the behaviour of embankments on soft clay. Based on these tests

the distributions of the horizontal displacement and vertical displacement as well as the dissipation of the excess pore pressure in the clay foundation are obtained. The reinforcement mechanism of the geotexile is subsequently investigated

with particular emphasis on the effects of the reinforcement strength on the deformation and stability of the subsoil. Centrifuge test results show that the reinforcement can reduce both the settlement and the lateral displacement of the clay foundation

therefore contribute to the improvement the global stability. On the other hand

to guarantee the effectiveness of the reinforcement

the strength and modulus of the geotexile and those of the soil-geotexile interface should be comparable with each other.