Probabilistic pile reinforced slope stability analysis using load
transfer factor considering anisotropy of soil cohesion
Abstract
A probabilistic limit equilibrium framework combining empirical load
transfer factor and anisotropy of soil cohesion is developed to conduct
pile-reinforced slope reliability analysis. The anisotropy of soil
cohesion is determined conditioned on that the thrust force direction is
parallel to the major principal direction and it is easily combined with
load transfer factor, which are related with soil parameters, and pile
parameters. The proposed method is illustrated against a homogeneous
soil slope. The sensitivity studies of pile parameters on FS (calculated
at respective means of soil parameters) and β demonstrated that
the anisotropy of soil cohesion tends to pose significant effect on
reliability index β than on FS. The effect of anisotropy of soil
cohesion on FS is found to be slightly different under different pile
locations, whereas its effect on β is observed to be least if
piles are drilled at the middle part of slope and more significant
effect is observed when piles are drilled at the lower and upper part of
slope. The plots from the sensitivity studies provide an alternative
tool for pile designs aiming at the target reliability index β.
The proposed method contributes to the pile-reinforced slope stability
within limit equilibrium framework.