Embankments made of degradable materials more or less fragmentable

After analysis of deformations that can happen on embankments built with water-sensitive materials, eventually degradable, we will discuss mechanisms controlling deformations as well as certain technical dispositions for decreasing potential negative effects. Saturation of embankments made of sensitive, eventually degradable materials after their construction, is obviously the cause of observed disorders. Principal mechanisms are exposed, with different events they can generate, depending on state parameters : density, in-situ moisture content. Based on this comprehension, techniques already used for important motorway fills, H> 25 m are exposed. It is clear that this analysis, only deals with materials for which the GTR (Road Earthworks Guide) expressly indicates a requirement for specific study. For the covering abstract see ITRD E135448.(abstract only)