Limit equilibrium analysis of seismic stability of slopes reinforced with a row of piles

Summary An approach based on the category of limiting equilibrium analysis is proposed to consider the reinforcing effect of one row of vertical piles on slope under seismic conditions. The approach is based on an uncoupled formulation in which the pile response and slope stability are considered separately. Closed‐form equations are derived, allowing the yield acceleration coefficient to be determined for giving pile characteristics. Results were compared with those obtained using another limit equilibrium method. The effects of pile location on the effectiveness of increasing seismic stability of the slope–pile system were elucidated. It was found out that the piles should be installed in the middle–upper part of the slope to achieve greatest safety, but the pile length and other possible failure modes should be checked carefully in design. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.