THREE-DIMENSIONAL LIMIT EQUILIBRIUM ANALYSIS OF SLOPES

A general method of three-dimensional slope stability analysis using the limit equilibrium concept is proposed. The failure mass is assumed to be symmetrical and divided into many vertical columns. The inter-slice forces have the same inclination throughout the mass, and the inter-column shear forces are parallel to the base of the column and function of their positions. Force and moment equilibria are satisfied for each column as well as for the total mass. The analysis is illustrated for several slope angles, soil parameters and pore water pressure conditions. The factors of safety are compared with those obtained with two-dimensional stability analyses and the ordinary method of columns. In addition, a three-dimensional finite element computer program is presented. This program can calculate the local factors of safety at selected points along a failure surface as well as the mean factor of safety for a chosen failure mass. The results obtained by the two methods, limit equilibrium and finite element, are compared. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00168505
• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Civil Engineers

  One Great George Street, Westminster
  London,   United Kingdom  SW1P 3AA
• Authors:
  • CHEN, R H
  • CHAMEAU, J L
• Publication Date: 1983-3

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 31-40
• Serial:
  • GEOTECHNIQUE
  • Volume: 23
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Thomas Telford Limited
  • ISSN: 0016-8505

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Computer programs; Engineering moments; Equilibrium (Mechanics); Failure; Finite element method; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Pore water pressures; Shear stress; Slope stability; Ultimate load design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Shear forces
• Old TRIS Terms: Finite elements; Moments
• ITRD Terms: 6471: Analysis (math); 7145: Equilibrium; 6490: Finite element method; 6452: Limit; 5762: Pore water pressure; 5783: Slope stability; 8645: Software; 9080: Three dimensional
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00373497
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 30 1983 12:00AM