An experimental study of a footing located on a sloped fill: influence of a soil reinforcement layer

This paper summarizes the results of a series of experimental investigations conducted to determine the manner in which the performance of a footing located at the crest of a sloped fill can be influenced by the presence of a reinforcing layer within the body of the fill. The results of these investigations indicate that both the load–settlement behaviour and the ultimate capacity of the footing can be enhanced by the presence of the reinforcing layer and that such efficiencies are derived for specific depths of embedment of the reinforcing layer. Key words: footings, reinforced slopes, ultimate capacity, load–displacement behaviour, failure modes.