Slope stability assessment is essential for safe and sustainable development widely applied in mining, civil, and environmental engineering projects around the world. This study aimed to conduct a stability analysis of a selected Himalayan road cut slope from two different sections, named sections (A) and (B). The strength reduction factor (SRF) based on the finite element method was used to simulate the slope sections using Phase2 software. A mesh pattern of six node triangle elements was used during the numerical simulation. The Mohr-Coulomb parameters and other inputs used in the numerical modelling of the investigated slope were estimated by different geotechnical tests, namely, the direct shear test, density analysis test, rock hardness test, and Brazilian test. The results indicated that the critical SRF of the completely weathered slope profile section (A), with a relatively low overall angle, was found to be 1.25, which is approximately 50% lower than the value obtained in the moderately to highly weathered profile section (B), equal to 2.53. These results are in agreement with other published studies, which revealed that the geometry of a slope influences the weathering grade, which in turn destabilizes the slope. The results of this study will help in engineering slope design considering the influence of weathering.

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In slope stability analysis, identiBcation of the mechanism behind slope failure is the key factor during the study. Rock mass characterization and kinematics analysis, like geotechnical investigation methods, are not infallible all the time for the weathered slopes. The presence of different grades of weathered mass on the slope proBle acts independently to inCuence the overall failure pattern. Numerical analysis by Bnite element method (FEM) is evolved as a primary slope stability analysis tool by overcoming the limitations of the stratiBed weathered materials on the slope. The paper focuses on the stability analysis of railwaycut laterite slopes of the Eastern Ghats of India. The medium to high-grade metamorphism, followed by physio-chemical weathering, favours the region for more prone to failure. The Force Equilibrium Model and Moment Equilibrium Model have been considered to determine the possibility of independent failure events for the probability analysis. Monte Carlo's probability simulation method has delivered a better result for the weathered slopes by taking many variables for the studied region. A compression study has been made between the outcomes of slope stability analysis methods and the probability analysis models, which provides a comprehensive list of factors to understand the failure mechanism of weathered slopes.

The article chronicles the landslide dam burst event from the Eastern Ghats region of India during the Titli cyclone on 12th October 2018. The event has been marked as one of the most destructive event in the region due to the abrupt increase in rainfall intensity and duration. The highly weathered profile of the Eastern Ghats metamorphosed terrain favours such fatal incidents, mostly during the monsoon and cyclone season of the Indian subcontinent. Geological and geotechnical investigation of the region followed by numerical modeling has been done to study the cause and mechanism of the incident. From the initiation of landslide to the dam formation and afterwards the bursting event, the whole event has been simulated in the Optum G2-based finite element model. The steep laterite cliff of Eastern Ghats mountains is identified as the primary concern for the stability balance in the region. Real-time monitoring of natural dams is essential to minimize the amount of risk in the region from further occurrence of such landslide-related terminal hazards.