Optimal design of reinforced slopes

The analysis of mechanically stabilised earthworks using geotextiles or geogrids is typically addressed by means of modified limit equilibrium approaches or the Finite Element Method. However the design of the reinforcement layout and strength is generally specified by the engineer following the recommendations of design guidance or based on experience. Limit analysis and in particular Discontinuity Layout Optimization (DLO) presents an alternative for both the analysis and design of reinforced slopes. The current study presents initial work into developing an automated approach for determining the optimum layout of reinforcement for a given earthwork geometry. In this paper, a modified formulation of DLO termed Reinforcement Strength Optimization (RSO) is presented that is able to find the minimum tensile strength of the reinforcing material required for the stability of the system for a given layout and vertical spacing. This value can then be used as a parameter to guide the engineer in manually developing an optimal reinforcement layout, or as a component part of a fully automatic reinforcement layout optimization procedure.