Maximum slope angle for geosynthetic-lined slopes
Geosynthetics | June 2009
By Timothy D. Stark
Q: Is there a maximum slope angle for geosynthetic-lined slopes?
A: Yes there is, and the slope angle should not exceed the lowest geosynthetic interface friction angle, δ, of the system. The slope angle should not exceed δ because this condition can/will lead to tension developing in the geosynthetics and possibly progressive failure of the slope. Geosynthetics will stretch and possibly tear under tension because they are not designed to be under tension. The only geosynthetic that is designed to be under tension are geosynthetic reinforcement products, such as geogrids and high strength geotextiles.
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12:53 pm CDT
Maximum slope angle for geosyntthetic lined slopes
Tim Stark’s comments on restricting the inclination of a geosynthetic lined slope to the lowest interface friciton angle of the system only applies to the stability of veneer slopes where the geometry appoaches those of an infinite slope. For instance, there are many landfills where the lowest interface friciton angle of the side slope is less than the slope angle. These landfills are generally filled incrementally, in horizontal lifts subject to restrictions on lift height and breadth to maintain stability. Technically, a bowl-shaped landfill with an interface friction angle of zero could be filled in uniform horizontal lifts maintaining stability.
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