ABSTRACT
Geosynthetics are widely used on improving embankment stability. However, limited studies have focused on the stability and failure modes of geosynthetic-reinforced embankments with various layers and stiffness of geosynthetics. In this paper, a finite difference approach is used to analyze the ultimate surcharge of embankments and failure mechanism. The results show that the stiffness and layers of geosynthetic both have a positive influence on the embankment stability. A deep-seated failure occurs when the geosynthetic stiffness and layers are low. When the stiffness and layers increase to a certain value, the failure mechanism changes to lateral sliding failure.
