Slopes – stabilisation

• 11.1.

  Introduction

• 11.2.

  Types and orientations of geosynthetics

• 11.3.

  Function of reinforcement against slope failure

• 11.4.

  Stability analysis of reinforced slopes

• 11.5.

  Design aspects of reinforced slopes

• 11.6.

  Model tests

• 11.7.

  Stabilisation methods in practice

• 11.8.

  Summary of main points

• 11.9.

  Some common questions and their answers

• References

The use of geosynthetic reinforcements for slope stabilisation allows a reduction in earthworks by changing the geometry, and even allows the use of soils with average mechanical properties. Geosynthetic-reinforced slopes are generally compacted fill embankments that incorporate geosynthetic layers as tensile reinforcement to enhance stability. The reinforcement holds together the soil mass from both sides of the failure surface, thus increasing the factor of safety of the existing slope. Analytical, numerical and experimental research work, and many case studies on geosynthetic-reinforced slopes, have been reported in the literature. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the application of geosynthetics in stabilising soil slopes, including the suitability of geosynthetics, reinforcing mechanisms, methods of slope stability analysis and design, model studies, and typical slope stabilisation methods, with some specific construction guidelines.