Optimised design of soil reinforcement layout

The analysis of mechanically stabilised earthworks using geosynthetic reinforcements is typically addressed by means of a limit equilibrium or finite-element analysis. However, the design of the reinforcement layout and strength is generally specified based on design guidance or on experience. Limit analysis, and in particular discontinuity layout optimisation (DLO) presents an alternative for both the analysis and design of reinforced slopes. The current study presents a novel automated approach for determining the optimum layout of reinforcement for any given earthwork geometry. In this paper, a modified formulation of DLO termed ‘reinforcement layout and strength optimisation’ is presented that is able to find the minimum tensile strength of the reinforcing material and optimal layout required for the stability of the system for a given initial design domain. Examples are given for a slope stability problem and compared with conventional design guidance.