Abstract: Three groups of centrifugal model tests were carried out on a high and steep reinforced slope formed by cutting mountain and filling valley. Numerical models which simulate the loading process of centrifugal tests were established based on the centrifugal model tests. The deformation, stress-strain distribution of reinforcement and failure modes of reinforced slope were studied under different foundation strengths. The results of numerical simulation and centrifugal test were compared and analyzed for further research on the distribution of reinforcement. Results revealed that lateral extrusion of the lower slope was observed in the presence of increasing overlying load, which led to the yield of the bottom reinforcement beneath the upper part of slope when the strength of the lower filler was insufficient. Potential sliding surface was formed from the foot of the inner slope to H/3. The internal force of reinforcement changed abruptly at the platform, and the position of maximum axial force of reinforcement moved downwards with the increase of slope height. The stability of the slope can be improved by increasing the length of geosynthetics in the lower slope appropriately. The stress distribution of reinforcement can be optimized by densifying the geosynthetics in the H/3 range of reinforced slopes at all levels. The numerical analysis results provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the design of reinforced slopes.

Key words: reinforced slope, centrifugal model test, numerical analysis, PLAXIS, extented research