Abstract:The finite element inversion analysis method, allowing for describing the creep behavior of soft soil, is presented for simulating the subgrade settlement. The finite element analysis software, ABAQUS, was embedded into the improved whale algorithm by MATLAB, thus the calculation parameters of soft soil can be obtained quickly and accurately. The modified Drucker-Prager and time hardening creep model were used to simulate the subgrade settlement and deformation. In order to test the reliability of the proposed method, the finite element inversion model was built for a highway subgrade crossing soft soil and the deformation of the subgrade was simulated during the whole construction period. The simulation results indicate that the subgrade deformation obtained by the inversion analysis agreed well with the measured data. In addition, the post-construction settlement was also predicted and the settlement was within 10 cm in ten years after construction, which provides good theoretical guidance for the operation and management of the highway.