Abstract: The stability of high and steep geosynthetic-reinforced slope and the reinforcement mechanism are researched through centrifugal model test and two-dimensional finite element method. Two centrifugal model tests are conducted in the purpose of exploring the failure trend or failure mode through measuring the variation of deformation and soil pressure of both unreinforced and reinforced slopes in stepped loading. Two-dimensional finite element model is established based on the fundamental parameters of the centrifuge model test. The calculation results are compared with the measured centrifugal test results to verify the rationality of the finite element model. Furthermore, the finite element model is employed to analyze the sensitivity of slope stability to the packing intensity and tensile strength of reinforced body. Results show that the geosynthetic reinforcement effectively improves the slope safety factor, but has slight influence on settlement. The failure mode of unreinforced slope differs from that of reinforced slope: collapse occurs at the unreinforced slope abutment, while stress concentrates at the 1/6-1/3 height of reinforced slope.

Key words: reinforced slope, centrifugal model test, finite element, slope stability