Value Coefficient of Polyethylene Fiber Soil Embankment Slope Based on Response Surface Analysis

Abstract

The utilization of polymers can strengthen soil, but at a high price. In this study, value coefficients were proposed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of fiber-reinforced roadbeds, and the effects of embankment-slope-influencing factors on the value coefficients were analyzed by response surface methodology. Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber (UPEF) was used as the reinforcement material for soil. First, the shear strength parameters of fiber soil with different fiber diameters were obtained from the direct shear tests to set the parameters of the finite element models. Second, three factors, namely filling height, slope angle, and fiber diameter, were selected as input parameters based on the Box–Behnken Design (BBD) experimental design method, and their effects on the value coefficient of the fiber soil embankment slope were investigated. Finally, the design parameters at the maximum value coefficient of the fiber soil embankment slope were determined based on the results of the response surface analysis. The results indicated that the addition of UPEF could effectively improve the cohesion of the soil; the interaction between the filling height and fiber diameter is most obvious. The optimization of design parameters based on the value coefficient of the fiber soil slope is a slope-engineering design method considering comprehensive benefits.