Sustainable application of bamboo piles for slope stability and seepage control in soft soils

Abstract

Soft soils are characterized by low bearing capacity and pose potential stability issues in construction projects, as observed in Project X. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of bamboo piles in improving slope stability and controlling groundwater seepage in soft clay soils. The methods employed include laboratory testing (bamboo tensile test according to SNI 03-3399-1994) and numerical analysis using GeoStudio software (SEEP/W and SLOPE/W), which is based on CPT data, SPT data, and rainfall data. Rainfall intensity analysis using the Log-Normal method reveals a maximum value of 9.13 mm/hour for a 25-year return period, which affects groundwater seepage patterns. Bamboo piles increased the safety factor (SF) of the slope from 1.721 (without reinforcement) to 1.993 (with reinforcement) under Low Water Level (LWL) conditions. Seepage is influenced by water fluctuations in the pond, with the highest pore water pressure observed at High Water Level (HWL), reaching 33.181 kPa after reinforcement. The earthquake effect (PGA 0.36g) reduced the slope safety factor to 1.223; however, this value still meets the stability criteria (SF > 1.1).