Numerical Study on the Design of Reinforced Soil by Vertical Micropiles

Abstract

The mechanical behavior of the reinforced soil by vertically arranged micropiles was considered using the three-dimensional finite element analysis. To make effective use of space around the slope, soil needs to be reinforced using micropiles placed in a small area.  The main objective of this investigation was to evaluate the mechanical influence of various micropile arrangements and to determine the effects of pile spacing for design purposes. Numerical simulations of three cases using different pile angles indicated the amount of slope displacement and the values of the sectional force of the micropiles differed significantly. Among the three cases, the maximum slope displacement was 1.7 times the minimum value. Finally, numerical simulations of three cases using different pile spacing was carried out to clarify the effects of pile spacing on the amount of slope displacement and the sectional force of the micropiles.