Experimental and numerical studies of three-layered unreinforced and geosynthetic-reinforced soil slopes

Abstract

This paper presents both experimental and numerical studies of three-layered reinforced soil slopes consisting of one sandy layer sandwiched between two cohesive–frictional soils. Geosynthetic reinforcements are provided at the interfaces. Small-scale shaking table tests are performed to evaluate different stability parameters like horizontal deformation, root-mean-square acceleration amplification factor, and crest deformation of the slope. Water content, base shaking acceleration, frequencies, and quantity and type of reinforcements are varied to perform the tests. The inclusion of reinforcements increases the strength of the slope enormously which is represented in the paper in terms of different parameters. Geogrid reinforcement is found to be better in comparison with geotextile reinforcement. To verify the results obtained from the present experimental study, a numerical model is developed using PLAXIS 2D and the acceptability of the study is discussed.