Analytic hierarchy process for assessing factors influencing the stability of soil slopes reinforced with piles

Changes in the stability of slopes reinforced with piles involve a complex interaction process between piles, soil, hydrogeological conditions and the engineering geological environment. Correlation analysis between each influencing factor will contribute to a better overall understanding of the main influencing factors. This is of great significance for disaster prevention and the optimization of soil slopes reinforced with piles. The 17 factors influencing the stability of soil slopes reinforced with piles were analyzed in this study, and the weighting of each influencing factor was determined using the analytic hierarchy process along with the experiences of various experts and the author’s experience. The results showed that: (1) soil rheological characteristics and physical and mechanical soil properties have the maximum weighting on the stability of soil slopes reinforced with piles; that is, they are the most important factors influencing the stability of soil slopes reinforced with piles; (2) embedded pile depth or pile anchoring depth and the pile position have the second greatest weighting; (3) rainfall, pile sectional dimensions and pile spacing, are also important factors. Each of these factors was not weighted less than 0.059.