Slope reinforcement

Slope reinforcement is also employed in the construction of embankments, and as an alternative to some retaining walls. To provide slope stability, multiple layers of geogrids, or woven/knitted geotextiles, may be placed during construction in the fill material used to make the slope. 

Considering the unforeseen situation with the cut slope, the project consultants suggested to change the construction site, otherwise, large-scale slope reinforcement is needed. But the project owner hesitated to make the decision due to economic loss in changing the site, because the excavation of shaft has been partly performed and the time schedule of construction could be alFected. Moreover, the suitable site which could be used as a large water source site was too far from the main facilities. 

Deformation and failure pattern of cohesive slopes reinforced with different materials Centrifuge modeling study... 

It is shown that the vertical displacement of the slope reinforced with sheet iron was almost identical to that with iron window screen, while the horizontal displacement of the slope with sheet iron was larger. Theoretically, larger reinforcement modulus brings smaller horizontal displacement when other conditions are identical. The larger horizontal displacement of the slope with sheet iron indicates that the interface between the reinforcing material and the soil becomes the main factor in this case, i.e., the less friction contact of the sheet iron with the soil caused the soil to slide easily along the interface. 

Wu Faquan, Luo Yuanhua Chang Zhonghua (2011) Slope Reinforcement for Housing in Three Gorges Reservoir Area. Journal of Mountain Science 8 314-320. 

Figure 18. Example of stability analysis of a slope reinforced by anchors.

Fabrics, Reinforcennent n Fabric system used in the construction of steep slopes and retaining walls. By stabilizing the soil mass, they reduce the stress on the retaining wall with corresponding decrease in load-bearing requirements for the wall design. In slope reinforcement, the stabilization permits steeper slope construction than would be possible based on soil properties. 

Types of geotextiles used in wall, berms, and slope reinforcement... 

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