Slope Stabilization Using Recycled Plastic Pins

Abstract

AbstractShallow slope failures are common in highway embankments in the north Texas region and pose significant maintenance problems for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). As a cost-effective alternative, recycled plastic pins (RPPs) can be utilized to stabilize slopes and prevent shallow slope failures. RPPs are fabricated from recycled plastic and waste materials (i.e., polymers, sawdust, and fly ash). It is a lightweight material and less susceptible to chemical and biological degradation than alternative reinforcing elements. RPPs are driven into the slope face, which provides additional resistance along the slip surface, increasing the factor of safety against shallow slope failure. The current study presents a field demonstration project of a highway slope reinforced with RPPs. The slope was located on the southbound side of U.S. Highway 287, near the St. Paul overpass in Midlothian, Texas. Surficial movement had taken place in the slope, resulting in cracks along the shoulder near the ...