On numerical investigation of stability of roadbeds reinforced by gabion structures

Abstract

The stability of roadbed in seismic prone areas is vital for the sustainable economic development of regions. The gabion structures are one of the methods of road strengthening. Gabion structures are used to avoid damage to the roadbed under loads of natural ground slope due to earthquake or other reasons. This approach is one of the most economical and efficient solutions for the stabilization of natural ground slopes, and it is efficient as a drainage system. Field tests give precise results about the efficiency of gabion types for different sites. However, in some cases, it is expensive and numerical calculation can be used for the estimation of the applicability of gabions. The stability of roadbed by using finite element approaches was investigated here. Stability was considered as results of calculations by two cases with gabions and without ones were compared. The dynamic and seismic impact was taken into account according to local normative documents.