Simplified numerical analysis of the strengthening effect of soil nails in a loose fill slope

Abstract

Based on a field test program at a specially constructed slope, a simplified two dimensional (2-D) finite element model has been established to investigate the strengthening effect of soil nails within loose fill. The coupled flow and deformation process during the controlled surcharge and recharge process are simulated at a real time scale. The embedded element method is applied to define soil nail reinforcements while no explicit definition of nail-soil interface is introduced. Basic parameters describing the fundamental behaviour of the loose fill are obtained from systematic laboratory tests and field measurements. Typical simulation results regarding the axial forces mobilized in soil nails are shown and compared with corresponding field measurements. It is shown that the 2-D simplified numerical model could well predict the field observations. Significant strengthening effect and increasing integrity could be provided by soil nails for loose fill slopes under overburden pressure and wetting loads.