Stability Analysis of Slopes Reinforced with Piles

In this paper, the kinematic approach of limit analysis is used to analyse the stability of earth slopes reinforced with piles. First, the case of slope without piles is considered and a procedure is developed to calculate the safety factor for the slope. Results are compared with those obtained usingboth the limit equilibrium method and more complex upper and lower bound limit analysis solutions. Then, the stability of slopes reinforced with piles is analysed. Expressions are derived allowingthe force needed to increase the safety factor to a desired value and the most suitable location of piles within the slope to be evaluated. A study is carried out to illustrate the effect of piles on slope stability.