Influence of Spatial Variability on 3D Slope Failures

This paper will consider the influence of spatial variability of undrained shear strength on the stability of long slopes cut in clay. The paper will highlight the need for 3D analysis of spatially variable slopes. 2D analysis implies an infinite scale of fluctuation in the third dimension and considers only one failure mode. In contrast, 3D analysis leads to three possible failure modes. Modes 1 and 3 are extreme modes, analogous to 2D deterministic and stochastic solutions, respectively. Mode 2 includes single, multiple and interacting discrete failures and leads to a level of reliability that is function of slope length. For this case, there is a wide range of possible slide volumes for the most probabilities of failure. However, the risk associated with higher global factors of safety may be relative low, due to the low probability of failure and a decreased likelihood of large slide volume.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: Figures; Photos; References;
  • Pagination: pp 335-342
  • Monograph Title: Risk Analysis VI: Simulation and Hazard Mitigation

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01109800
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 9781845641047
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Aug 26 2008 7:16AM