Stability analyses for geosynthetic-reinforced steep-faced slopes subjected to toe scouring

Knowledge on the influence of a scoured slope toe to the stability of earth structures is key to their long-term maintenance and disaster mitigation. As a follow-up of an experimental study on geosynthetic-reinforced steep-faced slopes subjected to toe scouring, limit-equilibrium-based stability analyses were performed to investigate their effectiveness in evaluating the stability of the slope. Results of analyses showed that the safety factors for pull-out, tie-break, facing connection, base sliding, and overturning failures were insensitive to the boundary changes induced by the toe scouring. The toe-scouring-induced instability of the slope was reflected by the reduction of safety factors against bearing capacity and circular sliding. Among the methods used, the circular failure analysis demonstrated the highest versatility and potentiality in detecting the toe-scouring-induced instability of reinforced steep slopes.