Abstract:In order to study the deformation characteristics of the embankment subgrade made of Gobi gravel soil under load, this study chose the Gobi gravel soils used in the embankment filling of the Urumqi International Airport expansion project as the research object. Indoor model tests were con ducted to explore the deformation and failure characteristics of high embankment side slopes of Xinji ang Gobi gravel soil under load . Additionally, a three-dimensional finite element method was applied to analyze the effect of compaction degree and side slope ratio on the slope safety factor. The displace ment-load curves of the high embankment side slopes under static load and after reinforcement with geogrid were obtained. The results indicated that the maximum vertical displacement of the slope oc curred beneath the load near the slope surface. The maximum horizontal displacement of the slope oc curred at the slope shoulder. The inclusion of geogrids reduced the soil deformation by about 61% un der the same load. The compaction degree of Gobi gravel soil affected the soil cohesion (c value), thus affecting the slope safety factor. When the compaction degree was less than 86% or greater than 92%, the safety factor of the slope tended to stabilize; when the compaction degree was between 86% and 92%, the safety factor increased significantly. The research findings provide a reference for the ex pansion of Urumqi Airport and similar engineering projects.