Background In the process of engineering construction, soil erosion often occurs, which affects the stability of the slope. Soil and water conservation slope protection project is important for restoring and building a good ecological environment. The plant bag made of natural jute has outstanding environmental protection and economy. The jute fiber can provide nutrients for plants after decomposition. There are few studies on the stability analysis of the bag itself, and the planting bag itself is more prone to be damaged under heavy rainfall. Therefore, the stability analysis is crucial.

Methods In order to explore the basic physical and mechanical properties of jute planting bag and its stability in practical engineering, the physical and mechanical properties of density, tension and tear of common jute cloth materials for planting bag were tested. Based on the basic assumptions, the stabilities of jute planting bags under natural conditions and heavy rainfall conditions were calculated according to the force balance method and the conditions of subgrade slope, and the evaluation method of bag stability was proposed by calculating the stability coefficient.

Results 1) The average tensile strength of the two types of jute cloth were 14.7 kN/m and 22.2 kN/m, the average elongation at break were 6.1% and 10.7%, and the average tearing strength were 0.35 kN/m and 0.56 kN/m, respectively. The basic performance met the performance requirements of national standards for planting bags. 2) Under the condition of force equilibrium, the stability coefficient of jute planting bags under natural conditions was 1.51, thus the stability of jute planting bags on the subgrade slope was good. The stability coefficient was 0.52 under the saturated condition of heavy rainfall, which was insufficient. 3) The jute planting bags were reinforced by anchor mesh. The pull-out safety coefficient of the anchor was 1.58, therefore the jute planting bags were of good stability.

Conclusions The basic performance of jute cloth meets the performance requirements of national standards for planting bags. Under the saturated condition of heavy rainfall, the stability of jute planting bag is insufficient, and reinforcement methods should be adopted. Based on the pullout stability of anchor rod, the stability evaluation method of jute planting bags reinforced by anchor mesh is established. Combined with examples, it is proved that anchor mesh is very effective to enhance the stability of jute planting bags on subgrade slope.