Geotechnical Stability Analysis for Anchored Reinforced Vegetation Systems Assuming Shallow Potential Failure Paths

In recent years, anchored reinforced vegetation systems (ARVS) have been developed as an option for stabilizing soil slopes prone to shallow translational failures. Such systems rely on the installation of a geosynthetic, high-performance turf reinforcement mat (HPTRM) to provide erosion protection and to enhance vegetation establishment, used in conjunction with patterned rigid pins (micro soil nails) or percussion-driven cable anchors to provide mechanical support to the shallow soil mass prone to slippage. Typical geotechnical design methods vary from professional experience tempered with subject-matter knowledge to a basic limit-equilibrium stability analysis based on the infinite-slope model. We have enhanced this model with options to include a non-linear shear strength descriptor, perched groundwater levels that may occur seasonally in the shallow slope system, a site-specific seismic analysis, a search to identify the “critical” depth of sliding, and a strategy for designing the required spacing and strength of soil anchors. The geotechnical design approach is explained, then illustrated with several examples.