A-Walls have been used successfully for slope stabilization. Methods are developed for predicting the resisting forces in A-Walls for slope stabilization based on results of full-scale field installations of A-Walls, and experimental results involving scaled micropile elements installed in large-scale physical models. This is a significant development since the method satisfies compatibility between mobilization of axial and lateral load transfer, which have been observed to mobilize at substantially different rates. Although the method satisfies compatibility, it does so with uncoupled (i.e., separate) lateral and axial analyses, without consideration of interaction between upslope and downslope micropiles (which are connected through a capping beam). This potentially produces errors in predictions of reinforcement forces, which in turn could have a notable effect on slope stability. To evaluate the effect of coupling, the research team analyzed slopes stabilized with A-Walls using a finite element model with upslope and downslope piles connected at the pile head. This report includes design implications resulting from the coupling effect and recommendations for further research.
Edited by: Andrew Boeckmann, J. Erik Loehr, Helen Robinson, Minh Uong, and Jesús Gómez
Sponsored by: DFI Landslides and Slope Stabilization Committee