The behaviour of geosynthetic reinforced slope models subjected to self weight loading and impact rockfall event is studied using the geotechnical drum centrifuge of ETH Zurich. Several tests were carried out on wrap-around reinforced sand slopes with a model height of 18 cm and slope inclination 2V:1H. Different reinforcement materials were used with length from 11-19 cm in model scale. In order to define the strain distribution developed along the reinforcement layers during the different loading scenarios, optical fibre sensors were placed at various positions on the geosynthetics sheets. The deformations developed on the slopes have also been measured using digital images and Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) analysis and a comparison of the optical fibre measurements to the PIV analysis measurements is made. In general, the available measurements allow insight in the mechanism acting in the reinforced soil mass and also into the failure mechanism. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, London.