Improving the stability of high embankment slopes on weak foundations

Abstract

The article considers the issues of assessing the stability of non-standard soil-geological systems in difficult conditions. An analytical review of modern methods and tools for assessing the stability of embankment slopes is carried out. The features of the work of the embankment in the areas of the spread of permafrost are considered. The features of the design of embankments on permafrost soils with the preservation or partial thawing of frozen soils have been studied. Two versions of the calculated static schemes of sliding surfaces are presented: base - subgrade and base - subgrade - pavement. Based on the results of field studies, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the soils of the embankment and the base of the subgrade were determined, which became the basis for mathematical modeling and assessment of the stability of the embankment slopes. In software packages GeoStab and Geo5, based on the finite element method and the results of field studies, digital models of embankments were built on a weak foundation. The calculation of the stability of the system “base - subgrade” under the action of a standard uniformly distributed load has been performed. Two models of the system and the base - subgrade - road surface are considered: without cracks on the rolling strip and with cracks. It was found that coating defects affect the stability of the system only in the presence of an earthquake of medium strength and more. Recommendations for strengthening the slopes of embankments operating in difficult soil-geological conditions are given.