Design method for stabilization of earth slopes with micropiles

As one of the measures for slope fast reinforcement, micropiles are always designed as a group. In this paper, an analytic model for the ultimate resistance of micropile is proposed, based on a beam–column equation and an existing p–y curve method. As such, an iterative process to find the bending moment and shear capacity of the micropile section has been developed. The formulation for calculating the inner force and deflection of the micropile using the finite difference method is derived. Special attention is given to determine the spacing of micropiles with the aim of achieving the ultimate shear capacity of the micropile group. Thus, a new design method for micropiles for earth slope stabilization is proposed that includes details about choosing a location for the micropiles within the existing slope, selecting micropile cross section, estimating the length of the micropile, evaluating the shear capacity of the micropiles group, calculating the spacing required to provide force to stabilize the slope and the design of the concrete cap beam. The application of the method to an embankment landslide in Qinghai province, China, is described, and monitoring data indicated that slope movement had effectively ceased as a result of the slope stabilization measure, which verified the effectiveness of the design method.