Abstract
An evaluation method in which the reinforcing effect can be divided into tensile effect and confining effect is carefully discussed in relation to the dilatancy rate of reinforced soil mass. The mobilized confining effect is given by a function of the dilatancy rate and the internal friction angle at critical state. Then, the confining effect is introduced into a current design method, which can directly reflect the soil dilatancy and strength properties. It is found from the computed results on realistic steep slope reinforced embankment that the total amount of reinforcement may be reduced by 5 to 20(%). In addition, the influence of the length of reinforcing element against soil particle sizes on the confining effect is discussed, together with the effect of the vertical spacing of reinforcing layers on the confining effect.
