SAFETY ENHANCEMENT OF ERODED GABION WALL USING OPTIMIZED MINI-PILES

Abstract

Gabion walls are widely used for slope stabilization, particularly in hilly areas. However, these structures are vulnerable to failure mechanisms, such as sliding due to scouring, compromising their effectiveness. This study investigates the stability of the gabion wall reinforced with mini-piles to address erosion-induced failures, focusing on a case study along the Maligano road in North Buton Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The research integrates field observations, soil investigations, and finite element modeling to analyze the causes of gabion wall failure and evaluate the effectiveness of mini-pile reinforcement. The study demonstrated that mini-pile reinforcement significantly improves stability. Various pile lengths were tested, showing that the safety factor (SF) increased with pile length. A 1-meter pile length achieved an SF of 1.17, while a 1.5-meter pile length met the required threshold of 1.53. A maximum SF of 2.32 was observed for a 3-meter pile length. The study concludes that mini-piles effectively enhance gabion wall stability by intercepting potential slip surfaces and increasing safety. Although effective erosion control and drainage are essential for managing runoff and preventing scouring, the primary contribution of this research is the practical application of mini-piles in improving slope stability in erosion-prone areas, offering valuable insights for safer infrastructure development in challenging terrains.