Influences on Antislide Piles Used for Slope Reinforcement: Numerical Simulation Based on the Soil Arching Effect

Abstract

This study explores the pile-soil interaction mechanism and the optimal use of antislide piles for slope reinforcement based on finite difference numerical modelling. The force and displacement principles of slopes and antislide piles are analysed. The influences of various factors are investigated, such as postpile filling parameters, pile embedding methods, and pile cross-sectional shapes. Numerical modelling is used to determine the optimal layouts of antislide piles for push and traction landslides. The findings indicate that the cohesive force of the fill has a greater influence on the piles and slope than the friction angle and is the primary control factor. Fully buried antislide piles provide a better antisliding effect than semiburied ones. With fully buried piles, the best controlling effect is obtained when the ratio of the length of the pile’s free section to the height of the sliding body is approximately 4/5. Moreover, stepped-cross-section piles provide better slope reinforcement than those with rectangular, T-shaped, or trapezoidal cross-sections. In practical applications, end-bearing arches can be utilized as the primary control structures, with friction arches used for secondary control to improve the soil arching effect as much as possible, thereby enhancing the stability of the piles and slope. To control landslides of various thrust forms, antislide piles should be set in the active section, the core sliding section, or both, as required. This paper provides guidance for improving the design of antislide piles.