Design method for stabilization of slopes with piles

A methodology is proposed for the design of slopes reinforced with a single row of piles. An existing method which is based on the theory of plasticity is used to find the lateral forces acting on the pile section above the critical surface. A portion of that force is assumed to be mobilized against the movement of the slope. Then, the friction circle method is extended to incorporate the reaction force in the stability analysis. Thus a new stability number that includes the pile reaction is used to determine the modified critical surface and safety factor of the reinforced slope. Finally, a procedure is proposed to achieve an optimum design solution which provides a desirable factor of safety for the slope/pile system.