Geosynthetics in roads and pavements

Details of RSS Systems 

Like conventional soil slopes, reinforced slopes 

are constructed by compacting soil in layers 

while stepping the face of the slope back at an 

angle.  Subsequently, the face is protected from 

erosion by vegetation or other protective 

systems ranging from concrete slabs to geocell 

walls and including a wide variety of systems.   

Additional geosynthetic elements are 

incorporated into reinforced steepened slopes to  

facilitate drainage, minimize ground water 

seepage and to assure the stability of the 

steepened slope and the erosion resistance of the 

facing.  Following are the detailed components 

of a geosynthetic  reinforced steepened slope 

system: 

 

• 

Foundation - Stable soil or bedrock upon 

which the slope is constructed.  Stability in 

the foundation is assumed. 

• 

Retained Soil - The soil which remains in 

place beyond the limits of the excavation. 

• 

Subsurface Drainage - Geosynthetic 

drainage medium installed at the limits of 

the reinforced soil zone to control and 

collect ground water seepage. 

• 

Reinforced Soil - The soil which is placed in 

lifts adjacent to the retained soil and 

incorporates horizontal layers of reinforcing 

to create the sloped structure. 

• 

Reinforcement - Geosynthetic, either 

geogrid or geotextile with sufficient strength 

and soil compatible modulus, placed 

horizontally within the slope to provide 

tensile forces to resist instability. 

• 

Surface Protection - The erosion resistant 

covering of the finished slope surface. 

 

 

 

 

Components of a  

Reinforced Steepened Slope System 

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                                                    GEOSYNTHETICS IN REINFORCED SOIL SYSTEMS:                                              45      

Embankments over Soft Foundations, Reinforced Steepened Slopes, Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls 

 

For more information please contact the Geosynthetic Materials Association at www.gmanow.com. 

 

An RSS is used to raise this site out of the flood plain. 

 

 

Alternating layers of geosynthetic and compacted soil. 

 

 

The steepened face must be protected from erosion. 

 

 

The finished project includes important structures. 

 

A slope repair that must support a roadway. 

 

 

An RSS is constructed using conventional equipment. 

 

 

The RSS with protected face and toe. 

 

 

The RSS supports a public roadway. 

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                                                                            Handbook of Geosynthetics                                                                            46 

 

For more information please contact the Geosynthetic Materials Association at www.gmanow.com.