Simplified Design Method of Slope Stabilization Using Recycled Plastic Pin

Several field studies confirm the effectiveness of RPPs as a sustainable and cost-effective measure in stabilizing shallow slope failures in Texas, Missouri, and Iowa. The use of RPP, however, is currently limited to maintenance operations due to the lack of any design guideline for slope stabilization. During this study, a design method was developed to stabilize shallow slope failures using RPPs based on two limiting criteria: the failure of the adjacent soil, the horizontal displacement of the RPPs to ensure the performance, and maximum flexure of the RPPs to resist creep failure. A robust analysis was conducted, using the finite element method (FEM) in Plaxis to develop design charts for different soil strengths, slope ratios, and depths of slip surfaces. The soils were grouped into four types, based on the strength parameters of soil. The developed design charts present the limit resistance of RPPs in slope stabilization and can be utilized to determine the factor of safety of RPP-reinforced slopes. The design methods were validated, using FEM analysis, for two failed highway slopes, which indicated that the factor of safety, calculated by using design charts, was in good agreement with the safety analysis of the FEM method.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AFP10 Standing Committee on Engineering Geology.
• Authors:
  • Khan, Mohammad Sadik
  • Hossain, Md Sahadat
  • Ahmed, Asif
  • Nobahar, Masoud
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2018-1-7 to 2018-1-11
• Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 14p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Finite element method; Mechanically stabilized earth; Pins; Plastics; Recycled materials; Slope stability; Soil nailing; Soil stabilization
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01657873
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 18-03457
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Jan 25 2018 9:32AM