Abstract:  By using the long-term monitoring data of Beihu Farm section of Wuhan Ring Road as samples, the settlement proportion among three stages, namely, embankment construction period, pavement construction period and operation period, is analysed. The influence of some factors such as surcharge preloading, embankment height and embankment construction time on settlement proportion of the three stages is also summarized. The findings indicate that the factors mentioned above have little influence on the settlement proportion of operation stage, and the settlement proportion of that stage is relatively stabilized. These findings can help to predict the settlement of operation stage and to guide the operation and maintenance of highway.

Key words:  soft foundation , settlement , embankment , Wuhan ring road