Seismic stability of 3D soil slope reinforced by geosynthetic with nonlinear failure criterion

Abstract

This work conducts a seismic stability of a three-dimensional (3D) geosynthetic-reinforced slope in soils following the linear and nonlinear Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Three categories of reinforcement distribution patterns and four kinds of clays are considered. Within the framework of limit analysis and the generalized tangent technique, expressions of required reinforcement strength and the stability factor under different distribution patterns are derived from the energy balance equations. Comparisons are conducted to verify the validity of new expressions. Parametric analysis is conducted to explore the impacts of seismic force, soil strength nonlinearity, 3D character of slope and reinforcement strength on slope stability. It is found from the results that the downwardly-strong triangular (DTD) distribution pattern is the most effective choice for slope reinforcement, while the upwardly-strong triangular (UTD) pattern is the worst. One should intensify the density of reinforcement layers at the bottom of the slope to achieve a better slope stability condition. Besides, soil strength nonlinearity and seismic forces both have non-negligible negative effects on slope stability.