Failure mechanisms of embankment on inclined soft foundation reinforced by pipe piles

Four groups of centrifuge model tests are performed to investigate the failure mechanisms of embankment on inclined soft foundation reinforced by pipe piles. The influences of embedded depth of pile toe into stiff stratum and lattice beams are analyzed with comparison to the natural inclined soft ground situation. The results show that the failure mechanisms are as follows: (1) For the deep embedded situation, soil may flow around piles, leading to leaning of piles at the downhill side and overall failure; (2) For the shallow embedded situation, soil also flows around the piles, leading to more leaning of piles and overall failure; (3) The lattice beams are efficient in preventing piles from leaning, but soil still flows around piles.