Abstract: In order to investigate the bearing behavior and deformation rules of cohesive soil slopes during crest loading, centrifuge model tests of unreinforced slope and soil nail-reinforced slope were conducted. The loading and deformation process were observed and measured. Based on the comparison of bearing capacity and deformation rules between the unreinforced and soil nail-reinforced slope, the results show that soil nails improve the bearing capacity of slope obviously by confining the displacement toward slope surface. The deformation on the weakest location-footing edge is enhanced due to a nail-influence zone formed in reinforced slope; compression deformation of soil in middle and upper parts of slope is increased and shear deformation of which is decreased, resulting in the strengthening of slope stability. Soil nails in upper parts of reinforced slope has much more significant effects on reinforcing as load increased. Also in middle and lower parts of slope, the interaction between soil and nails becomes intensive near the slope surface.

Key words: crest loading, cohesive slope, centrifuge model tests, soil nails