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Abstract A probabilistic limit equilibrium framework combining empirical load transfer factor and anisotropy of soil cohesion is developed to conduct pile‐reinforced slope reliability analysis. The anisotropy of soil cohesion is determined conditioned on that the thrust force direction is parallel to the major principal direction and it is easily combined with load transfer factor, which are related with soil parameters, and pile parameters. The proposed method is illustrated against a homogeneous soil slope. The sensitivity studies of pile parameters on factor of safety (FS; calculated at respective means of soil parameters) and β demonstrated that the anisotropy of soil cohesion tends to pose significant effect on reliability index β than on FS. The effect of anisotropy of soil cohesion on FS is found to be slightly different under different pile locations, whereas its effect on β is observed to be least if piles are drilled at the middle part of slope and more significant effect is observed when piles are drilled at the lower and upper part of slope. The plots from the sensitivity studies provide an alternative tool for pile designs aiming at the target reliability index β. The proposed method contributes to the pile‐reinforced slope stability within limit equilibrium framework.

In this study, experiments were conducted to derive a mix design for improving the flexural performance of light transparent concrete, which is attracting much attention and interest as an interior and exterior material for buildings, so that it could be easily applied in the field as a non-structural element by securing a lightweight, workability, and economic efficiency through the improvement of the concrete mix design and the use of economical materials for promoting its practical use. It was found that the mixing of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber was effective in improving the consistency by preventing the aggregate from floating due to the mixing of lightweight aggregate with a low specific gravity. The flexural performance test results showed that the load transfer factor (LTF) from the concrete matrix to the fiber was highest in the test specimens without plastic bars, followed by those with 5 and 10 mm plastic bars, respectively.