The effect of fixed-tip piles on stabilization of earth slopes

Abstract

A recent widely researched solution is slope stabilization using a row of piles. In this study, the effects of fixed-tip pile and the subsequent pile length reduction, which finally bring about a reduction in stabilization costs, were considered. This paper presents novel analyses that were carried out in static condition. The analyses were performed using the Limit Equilibrium (LE) method and Shear Strength Reduction (SSR) method, which approved one another. Fixing pile tip was an efficient and applicable method for stabilizing earth slopes and reducing pile length. Results of these analyses were acceptable and properly consistent with the results obtained by other researchers. The process of fixing the end of the pile was also carried out experimentally and a new method was proposed for this purpose that, besides being simple, was cost-effective and practical. The result of this investigation showed the effectiveness of the proposed method, in which fixing the pile tip could enhance Factor of Safety (FoS) up to 55%.