Bearing Properties and Stability Analysis of the Slope Protection Framework Using Recycled Railway Sleepers

Abstract

The slope protection framework developed using recycled railway sleepers offers a novel sustainable solution for slope protection. However, this has been inadequately reported, and its force and deformation, its protective effect, and the bonding characteristics between sleepers are still unclear. The slope protection framework project of a recycled railway sleeper embankment slope on the Beijing–Tongliao railway was numerically analyzed using three typical recycled railway sleeper slope protection structures. The bearing properties and the slope stability of rectangular, rhombic, and herringbone framework structures were determined. The results show that the stress state, stress level, and failure mode of the three types of slope protection structures are similar on average. The slope protection skeleton’s stress concentration position and failure area are all concentrated at the sleeper connection node at the slope base. The rectangular and rhombic framework structures have better stability than the herringbone framework. This study proposes applying a slope protection framework constructed entirely using recycled railway sleepers. Furthermore, it allows for proper disposal of recycled railway sleepers and a reduction in stone mining.