STUDY OF DIFFERENT APPLICATION EFFICIENCIES AND SIMULATION MODELS FOR MICROPILES ON SLOPES-Paper

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The study uses PLAXIS finite-element analysis to evaluate micropile reinforcement for slope and foundation stabilization at two Taiwanese historical sites: Ershawan Fort and Samantabhadra Temple. The sites experienced cracking and settlement associated with backfill, steep slopes, and heavy rainfall. The analysis compares existing conditions with different micropile arrangements and grouting options, focusing on safety factors, displacement, and settlement.<br /><br />At Ershawan Fort, the preferred solution combines vertical and inclined micropiles in an inverted L-shaped arrangement with low-pressure grouting. Under simulated rainstorm conditions, this approach reduces maximum displacement from about 22 mm to 7 mm and foundation settlement from about 4.5 mm to 1.25 mm. Grouting is particularly effective at limiting settlement, while inclined piles further improve stability.<br /><br />At Samantabhadra Temple, single- and double-row micropiles and a gantry configuration with a reinforced-concrete collar beam are assessed. The gantry arrangement performs best overall: it raises the safety factor from 1.10 to 1.75 and reduces maximum displacement from about 24 mm to 6.4 mm. Double-row piles achieve the greatest settlement reduction among the tested options, although the gantry system offers stronger overall stability and displacement control.<br /><br />The findings indicate that micropiles are practical for strengthening slopes and foundations in confined spaces where larger equipment may be unsuitable. Their effectiveness can be increased through appropriate pile configurations and strategically positioned grouting. The authors recommend inverted L-shaped micropiles with low-pressure grouting for the fort and gantry-style reinforcement for the temple site. These results provide guidance for similar historical-site stabilization projects.

Keywords

PLAXIS

micropile reinforcement

slope stabilization

foundation settlement

historical sites

Ershawan Fort

Samantabhadra Temple

safety factor

low-pressure grouting

displacement reduction