In order to investigate the performance and mechanism of expansive soil slope with soilbags under the effect of raining-insolation cycles

a series of laboratory model tests on the expansive soil slope was conducted. The displacement of the reinforced slope

the slope erosion and rainfall infiltration were observed and analyzed

which were compared with expansive soil slope without reinforcement. The experimental results showed that under the action of raining-insolation cycles

the surface of expansive soil slope without reinforcement would develop cracks

which was further prone to soil loss. The soilbags performed well as a protection layer and a filter of soil particles

which could reduce the loss of soil in the bag and the underlying soil

and maintain the stability of the slope. In addition

soilbags had a good restraining effect on the expansive soil

which can effectively restrain its expansive deformation and reduce the possibility of slope instability. Furthermore

soilbags had a good drainage effect

so that rainwater could be quickly discharged through the gap between geotextile bags

and thus to ensure a relatively small increase of water content in the slope.