OasisLMS

The paper addresses slope stabilization through use of deep foundation elements (for simplicity, we refer to them generically as "piles" throughout this paper) and particularly focuses on the efficiency of linear versus staggered arrangements of piles along a slope. The study investigates the impact of pile arrangement on shear resistance, assuming constant soil properties, pile size, and reinforcement. The research employs Slope/W and Group software for slope stability analysis and reinforcement design; however, the analysis procedure detailed in this paper can be applied to other applicable programs such as Slide, LPile, etc. This paper defines and addresses use of piles to mitigate slope instability and soil flow between piles. The design procedure involves initially modeling a stable slope that is close to failure. Piles configured in linear and staggered alignments, with varying spacing, are then applied to the model to increase the shear resistance along the potential sliding surfaces. Lastly, through a Group analysis, pile arrangement efficiency is evaluated. Results from this research indicate that a linear arrangement of piles is more efficient than a staggered arrangement.

Roberto Nevarez Garibaldi and Anthony J. Metz

Research Report