An Experimental Study on the Dynamic Evolution Characteristics of Soil Arching and the Rational Spacing of Anti-Slide Piles

In order to analyse the dynamic evolution characteristics of soil arching during sliding processes, we conducted a series of model push-pile and direct shear tests. The tests’ results were used to design a relative displacement monitoring system and to introduce two dimensionless parameters (the push–compaction ratio ( e ) and the different degrees of push–compaction ( t )) to investigate the degree of uneven soil deformation during the sliding processes. This innovative method was used to analyse the rational spacing between adjacent anti-slide piles. The results revealed that there was a push-to-compaction effect in sliding soil during the sliding process. Firstly, in terms of space, the gradual transfer characteristics of the landslide thrust and push-to-compaction effect, rather than a uniform deformation over the entire area, were revealed. In terms of time, the results demonstrated a law for the variation in push-to-compaction ratios: The expansion of e occurred earlier in the rear sliding body than in the front e , while the growth rate of front e was faster than that of e in the rear sliding body. The dynamic evolution process was divided into three stages: an elastic formation stage, a plastic development stage, and a failure stage. Secondly, during the sliding process, the shear strength parameters of the sliding soil did not have constant values but underwent a dynamic process of strengthening, and cohesion responded more efficiently than friction. Finally, the degree of mobilisation of the anti-sliding effect of the sliding soil can be used as a new means of quantitative analysis for rational spacing. The results indicated that the rational spacing between adjacent piles should be five times the width of the pile.