Stability Charts for 3D Failures of Steep Slopes Subjected to Seismic Excitation

Abstract

Design of slopes and analysis of existing slopes subjected to seismic shaking are carried out routinely using approximations of plane strain and substitution of a quasi-static load for the seismic excitation. A three-dimensional ͑3D͒ analysis of slopes is carried out, based on the kinematic theorem of limit analysis. A rotational failure mechanism is used with the failure surface in the shape of a curvilinear cone sector passing through the slope toe, typical of steep slopes. A quasi-static approach is used to develop stability charts allowing assessment of the factor of safety of slopes without the need for an iterative procedure. The charts are of practical importance in cases of excavation slopes and whenever a slope is physically constrained, preventing a plane failure.

Three-dimensional slope stability assessment of two-layered undrained clay

“…Limit analysis method based 3D slope stability analyses have also been performed [13,20,[51][52][53]. To date, various 2D and 3D chart solutions based on limit analysis method have also been produced, such as the studies by Michalowski [13,19] and Viratjandr and Michalowski [23].…”

“…Although many methods have been developed for slope stability assessment, only a few sets of slope stability charts have been produced to date [9,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Furthermore, only some of those charts have considered 3D boundary effects.…”

Three-dimensional limit analysis of seismic displacement of slope reinforced with piles

“…(This transition has been illustrated by researchers for finding the critical value of γH/c, considering that the constraint on the width of the mechanism is sufficiently large, e.g. B/H4 10 [20,11].…”

Pseudo‐static analysis of tunnel face stability using the generalized Hoek–Brown strength criterion

“…This particular geometry seems actually more consistent with the experimental observations or numerical simulations . A similar horn failure mechanism has been considered by Michalowski and Martel for three‐dimensional stability analysis of slopes subjected to seismic excitation.…”

“…The horn failure mechanisms implemented in References and for 3D stability analysis of slopes are similar to that considered above for the tunnel face stability. Interested readers may find useful details regarding the geometry of this failure mechanism in the aforementioned references.…”