Seismic and Static Stability Analysis for 3D Reinforced Slope in Nonhomogeneous and Anisotropic Soils

Abstract

Reinforcements are essential for improvement of slope stability. In most slope stability analyses, the soil is regarded as homogeneous, whereas it is in fact nonhomogeneous in many cases. Based on the limit-analysis method, in this study, a three-dimensional seismic and static stability calculation was performed for a slope in nonhomogeneous soil. The analytical expressions of the required strength of reinforcement and stability factor under three categories of reinforcement patterns were derived. The effects of reinforcement distribution patterns, reinforcement strength, slope angle, seismic force, and soil nonhomogeneity and anisotropy on slope stability were investigated. It was found that the downwardly strong triangular distribution pattern (DTD) gives rise to the best reinforcement effect on slope stability, then the uniform distribution pattern (UD), and finally the upwardly strong triangular distribution pattern (UTD). An increase in the angle and width of the slope and seismic forces results in a stability decrease of the reinforced slope, whereas soil nonhomogeneity and anisotropy have positive influences on slope stability. Finally, some design tables are presented for design purposes.