Laboratory-scale physical modelling was conducted to understand the behaviour of highway embankments constructed on peat foundations. Artificial transparent soil was used to simulate the deformation properties of the peat foundation. The use of a transparent soil allows the determination of spatial deformations underneath the modelled embankment using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The load-settlement behaviour in the field is reasonably simulated in the laboratory-scale physical model. This paper presents the results of a modelled embankment with a geotextile fabric across its base.