In order to build and then operate a new major dam and power station at Jinping, Sichuan Province,China, it was necessary to first construct an access road though mountainous terrain along the Yalong River. At one point this needed a 52.5 m high, soil-filled structure to support the road. Because of the proximity of the river a conventional slope could not be constructed. Various alternatives were considered, particularly stone and concrete retained structures. However, foundation properties were poor, cost was prohibitive and there were worries about the durability of such rigid structures in a region subject to seismic activity. The solution chosen after much deliberation was a geogrid-reinforced structure with a wrap-around face. When finished this would be the highest geosynthetic-reinforced structure in China. This paper describes the design and construction challenges faced and the solutions adopted for the successful completion of this project. Since successful completion of this structure the construction of a second steep slope, this time with a height of 66 m has been undertaken.
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