Numerical analysis of an enhanced flexible reinforcement system for expansive soil slopes based on on-site validation.

This paper proposes a novel treatment scheme for expansive soil slopes, incorporating a flexible facing, steel cables, and soil nails. Based on completed practical engineering projects, a series of high-precision numerical models for differently supported expansive soil slopes were established. These include hard facing with soil nails, flexible facing with soil nails, and the newly proposed flexible facing with steel cables and soil nails. By comparing safety coefficients, soil displacement patterns, slope surface strain distributions, soil nail force diagrams, and steel cable force distributions under different conditions with or without considering expansion forces, the study thoroughly elucidates the working mechanisms of various support schemes in addressing expansive soil slopes. A comprehensive comparative analysis reveals the irreplaceable advantages of the proposed flexible facing incorporating steel cables incorporating soil nail support (flexible-cable-nail support, FCN support) scheme in the treatment of expansive soil slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]