Nonlinear finite element analyses were performed on a nonreinforced embankment and a polymeric reinforced embankment, with 1:1 side slopes, constructed on competent foundations. The nonreinforced and reinforced embankment analyses are compared to examine the influence of polymeric reinforcement within a soil slope. It is shown that significant reductions in the shearing, horizontal, and vertical strains within the slope occur because of the presence of the reinforcement.The finite element analysis of the reinforced embankment construction gives the magnitude and distribution of load within the reinforcement. For all embankment heights, the maximum reinforcement load did not occur in the lowest reinforcing layer but in the reinforcing layer placed 0.4H above the foundation, where H is the height of the slope. The displacement patterns and surface deformations of the nonreinforced and reinforced slopes are compared to show the marked reduction in slope movements resulting from the presence of the reinforcement.The location and shape of potential shear surfaces within the homogeneous reinforced slope are examined. The position of the maximum load in each reinforcing layer within the reinforced slope indicates that, for the example studied, a circular-shaped slip surface represents a probable failure mechanism within the slope. Key words: soil reinforcement, geotextiles, finite element, slope stability, geogrids, limit equilibrium, reinforced slope.
