Fracture Disaster Assessment of Model Concrete Piles in Loess Slope Engineering under Non-Uniform Lateral Loading

Abstract

Existing model tests for reinforcing loess slopes with stabilizing piles are often challenged by simulation inaccuracies in lateral loading modes and scaling. Addressing these concerns, this study conducts model tests and numerical simulations to scrutinize the damage characteristics of concrete piles in two varying loess slope conditions under non-uniform lateral loading. The tests were designed to strictly maintain the similarity ratio of the concrete piles. The results reveal a no table 20% reduction in lateral bearing capacity due to the penetration of a potential sliding surface, exacerbating the stress on the piles. Furthermore, compared to uniform loess slopes, the presence of a sliding surface leads to a 38.4% increase in the height of the stress concentration point, resulting in earlier crack formation in the piles. These findings offer substantial theoretical and practical insights, highlighting the critical need for accurate model simulation in slope stabilization research and providing a basis for improving engineering practices.