Optimal Location of Stone Columns in Slopes and Road Embankments

Earth slope stability is one of the main issues on which researchers all around the world focus on and various methods proposed in order to reinforce slopes (both natural and man-made). There are lots of approaches for stabilization of slopes, among which using a row of stone columns (or piles) is the most effective and economical method in order to stabilize and reinforce earth slopes and road embankments. Researchers have used different numerical and analytical methods for optimal locationing of stone columns or piles for stability enhancements of earth slopes or road embankments, which were resulted in different outcomes. This issue brings the question that, where is the optimal location for inserting these structural elements? It seems that laboratory analysis and modeling in this issue is missing. In this paper, the problem is examined by laboratory modeling and optimal location of stone columns and piles as reinforcing elements in earth slopes and road embankments investigated and the results are compared.