Retaining mechanism and structural characteristics of h type anti-slide pile (hTP pile) and experience with its engineering application

Since the 1980′s a new h form type anti-slide pile (hTP pile) has been used to stabilize slopes. This paper describes the first systematic studies about the retaining mechanism and applicability of the hTP, on the basis of the analysis of the soil-pile interaction. Similar retaining structures such as the portal anti-slide pile - PASP and other traditional retaining structures as the anchored anti-slide pile - AASP, the common anti-slide pile - CASP are also considered in this study to analyze the differences between their behavior and that of the hTP and other structures. This study, also analyzes the economy and technology of its construction. Post construction monitoring is conducted to evaluate its final retaining effect. The results show that the retaining mechanism of hTP can be attributed to the form of the structure, the soil mass between the two rows of piles and the soil mass downslope of the hTP. All together they greatly improve the hTP's retaining effect over the traditional structures. The stress distribution of hTP is more appropriate than for the traditional types of retaining structure's due to a decreased stress concentration effect. From economic point of view, the hTP's is also to be preferred over other types of retaining structures. The post construction monitoring results show that when supported by hTP, the slope tends to be stable because a good retaining effect is obtained.