Centrifuge Model Studies on Grout Mattress-Stabilized Slopes

The use of geosynthetic-filled systems like bags, mattresses and tubes for slope protection/stabilization works has gained popularity in recent times due to its inherent flexibility and durability. This work evaluates the performance of slope strengthened with grout mattress under seepage condition with the aid of centrifuge modelling. For this, centrifuge tests were performed at 50 gravities using a large beam centrifuge available at IIT Bombay on slope models with and without grout mattress, under steady seepage conditions. The tests were carried out on two model sets: (i) GMS1—unstrengthened slope, (ii) GMS2—grout mattress-strengthened slope without toe drainage, while maintaining a constant slope angle of 45°. The test results showed that the grout mattress-strengthened slope (GMS2) performed better than the unstrengthened slope (GMS1), which registered a catastrophic failure. Thus, grout-filled mattress with proper drainage provisions could be considered as a viable slope stabilization method especially for landfill slopes, ash pond dams and river training works.