Silt is widely utilized as a filling material in transportation construction, However, it frequently suffers from problems, such as excess pore water pressure buildup, settlement, and mud pumping. Wicking geotextiles have emerged as a sustainable solution by improving both drainage and reinforcement capacities, yet their optimal design parameters remain unclear. To address this gap, a series of tests were performed to investigate the effects of compaction degree, reinforcement configuration (number, spacing, position), and specimen geometry on the mechanical and consolidation of silt reinforced with wicking geotextiles. The results reveal that the failure mechanism of reinforced silt progresses through four distinct stages, which the wicking geotextile improved interparticle contact, delays crack initiation, and improves post-peak stability. Wicking geotextiles significantly improve strength, particularly at lower compaction degrees, by restraining crack propagation and promoting uniform stress distribution. Optimal mechanical performance was achieved with three reinforcement layers and compaction degrees of 93-95 %. Mid-depth placement of a single layer or uniform spacing of multiple layers produced the best outcomes. Although non-uniform spacing provided advantages at early deformation stages, it ultimately induced premature failure, whereas uniform spacing (<= 0.25 H) facilitated stable core compression. Specimens with height-to-diameter ratios >= 1.27 exhibited improved ductility, while larger specimens with multiple layers demonstrated improved post-peak stability. Wicking geotextiles accelerated drainage and void ratio reduction but concurrently decreased the compression modulus. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanical and hydraulic responses of wicking geotextile-reinforced silt and provide practical insights for the design and optimization of reinforced subgrades.

来源平台：CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS