Stability Charts for 3D Failures of Steep Slopes Subjected to Seismic Excitation
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 2
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 (3D) 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.
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Acknowledgments
The work presented in this note was carried out while both writers were supported by the National Science Foundation, Grant No. NSFCMMI-0724022, and the senior writer was also supported by the Army Research Office, Grant No. USAROW911NF-08-1-0376. This support is greatly appreciated.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 2 • February 2011
Pages: 183 - 189
Copyright
© 2011 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 17, 2010
Accepted: Jul 9, 2010
Published online: Jan 14, 2011
Published in print: Feb 2011
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