Stability analysis of geocell-confined soil on rocky slope

The geocell was used for erosion control of a cutting rocky slope by vegetation, and the stability analysis method of soil-geocell was proposed based on the theory of limit equilibrium and field experience. The factors effecting on the stability of geocell were analyzed. The results show that the failure modes of geocell are determined by the shear strength of geocell junction under the stress applied by fixing pins and the passive resistance provided by the toe block of slope. The factor of safety against slide of geocell decreases with the slope angle increases. Increasing the number of fixing pins or placing the additional geogrid may enhance the stability of geocell system. But the effect of geocell depth on the stability is negligible when it equal to the thickness of infill soil. The results obtained are important to guide design and construction of geocell used for slope protection on cutting rocky.