The stratums along the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway are composed mainly with soft soil. The foundation of roadbed were strengthened in hope of reducing differential and total settlement. Ram-compacted piles are mentioned in this paper, as an example of strengthening methods. Using joint test method combining liquid level settlement gauges and single point settlement gauges, total settlements and compressions at different depths were measured. Field test results showed that:1. The

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... nts were significantly reduced. 2. The settlement of the basement with cap at the middle of roadbed mainly appeared during filling stage, and that without cap indicated a 30-day-stablisation during preloading stage. 3. The up thorn can be decreased by pile cap. 4. The largest settlement was found at roadbed center, whereas the smallest occurred at embankment toe. Ram-compacted piles successfully reduced settlement of roadbed, offering reference value to high-speed railway design.