Abstract
The Quaternary clay-rich deposits require the Almaty Basin to have effective stabilization systems to reduce the geohazard impacts to the community. In response to this risk, the Geobarrier System (GBS) has been developed as a three-component system to improve slope stability by combining capillary barrier, retaining system and vegetative cover. However, the lack of shear strength in this soil limits stability and restricts rebar effectiveness. Tensile functions for geogrids, but stability varies significantly in an unstable environment by a longer embedment length. As additional anchorage, a J-pin is used. Using ABAQUS, and validated against PLAXIS 2D, this study quantifies the coupled performance of geogrid–J-pin systems at embedment lengths extending between 0.7H to 0.4H (where H = slope height). The results indicate that embedment length is the predominant control on stability. Lowering embedment from 0.7H to 0.4H increased deformation of the penetration element from 6.98 mm to 16.74 mm and decreased factor of safety from 1.34 to 1.09, establishing nonlinear degradation as a mechanical response. J-pins increased stability for embedment ≥ 0.5H and peaked at five J-pins; maximum static gain was not constant beyond this number. J-pins generate as much as 19% of system reinforcement force under load transfer analysis. For 0.4H, enhancements remain meager due to confinement within weak near-surface strata. An embedment threshold is identified, beneath which more anchorage does not contribute. These findings offer practical design guidance for environmental risk managers and geotechnical practitioners developing slope protection strategies in weak colluvial terrain.