Experimental study of footings on reinforced earth slopes

Abstract

Reinforced slopes are a form of mechanically stabilized earth that incorporates planar reinforcing elements. Reinforced soil slopes are cost-effective alternatives for new constructions where the cost of fill, right-of-way, and other considerations may demand the construction of a steeper slope. In the present study, the behaviour of shallow surface footings on reinforced and unreinforced earth slopes has been experimentally investigated. Model tests, (including that for unreinforced cases), were conducted by varying parameters such as the distance of footing from the edge of slope at crest, depth of top reinforcement layer, vertical spacing between reinforcement, depth of reinforcement zone and type of reinforcement. The results were then analyzed to establish both qualitative and quantitative relationship between the bearing capacity, settlement and the reinforcement physical parameters. The results for the reinforced system (for either the settlement or ultimate capacity) that are normalized with respect to the corresponding results derived for the footing on unreinforced slopes has been presented. The results indicate that the bearing capacity of strip footings on sloping ground can be significantly increased by the inclusion of reinforcement layers in the slope. On the basis of results, critical values of the reinforcement parameters (e.g. spacing, length etc.) for safe performance of footing are suggested.