Model Tests and Theoretical Analysis of Reinforced Soil Slopes with Facing Panels

Abstract

A series of model tests on plain, reinforced and panel faced slopes were carried out. Models were prepared for two types of slope face gradient. Behavior of these models was observed from initial loading to ultimate failure. Special attention was given to the development of axial strains in the reinforcement, footing load, footing settlement and the shape of the failure surface. The linear elastic finite element method (LEFEM) and the rigid plastic finite element method (RPFEM) were used in the numerical simulations for the model test results corresponding to the first tangent slope in the footing pressure-settlement curve and the ultimate failure load, respectively. The pattern of the axial strain distributions recorded in the model test is supported by numerically calculated tensile forces. Similarly, the type of failure modes observed in the model tests are also clearly predicted from numerical analysis results. Both observed and computed results confirm that the reinforcement itself is more effective and that the addition of facing reduces the lateral movement thereby avoiding local failue near the slope face.