Numerical Modeling of Slope Stability Using Revegetation Technique Combined with Geotextiles and Anchors

Abstract

In 2014 in Annaba, Algeria, the road CW15 collapsed because of anthropic influence and soil materials. Therefore, the road has been rehabilitated in an expensive way; this work has been inspired by that incident in order to improve it in different ways. This article discusses the study by numerical simulation of schist slope reinforcement using finite element method software PLAXIS 2D specifically designed for soil-structure analysis. Different known reinforcement techniques have been combined in order to stabilize the collapsed slope in an optimum way in order to achieve the highest safety factor. Geotextiles will support the traffic loads and perform the drain of the embankment. Anchors will fix the natural land by maintaining in the stable land. Slope Revegetation using the Carpobrotus invasive plant also known as the “Witch claws” perfect for Mediterranean climate will prevent the slope from waterings while the roots will serve as natural anchors in order to enhance and maintain the road embankment. A parametric study has been settled where anchors holding the natural land inclined to different angles in order to observe the impact on the slope stability thus the safety factor. French plantable retaining wall “Atalus” will hold the road embankment that is vegetated by Carpobrotus. An examination of the sustainability of the road will be made in order to observe how the traffic loads will affect it. In other words, the major goal of this work is to take advantage and manipulate the reinforcement techniques above-mentioned in order to increase economically the slope stability.