A large scale model test was carried out in loess slope, in which the stress and deformation characteristics of slopes reinforced with different arrangements of micropiles were studied. The mechanism of the micropile-soil interaction and the reinforcement effect of micropiles in loess slope were analysed. Based on the scale of in-situ loess slope and the physical mechanics parameters of loess soil, a numerical model was established by using finite difference method. For a reasonable arrangement of micropiles in step-shaped slope, the critical slip surfaces were determined considering the influence of slope inclination, ratio of step height and loading position. The micropiles were arranged in the step-shaped slope based on the critical slip surface, and the relationship between the ultimate bearing capacity of slope and shear strength parameters of loess soil was studied. The maximum shear strain of micropile-soil and moment of micropiles were calculated, and then the mechanism of the micropile-soil interaction was analysed.
