Evaluation on wetting effect of loess high-fill embankment under rainfall and groundwater uplift

•Profile of water content below the surface of high fill presents a Y-shaped pattern.•The ratio of the settlement due to rainfall infiltration ranges from 0.5% to 1.2%.•The settlement caused by groundwater uplift is three times that by rainfall.•Principle of “3 surfaces and 2 bodies” was used to enhance the stability of high fill.