A Novel Global Stress Method for the Limit-Equilibrium Analysis of Slope Stability Considering Stress Constraint Conditions at Ends
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 22, Issue 11
Abstract
Slope stability analysis is an important research hotspot in geotechnical engineering. For a slope under general conditions, the tension stress zone (TSZ) is located at the rear edge and the shear stress elevated zone (SSEZ) is near the slope toe. The aforementioned phenomena influence the stresses of the slip surface (SOSS), which in turn affect the slope stability and make the slope instability present a progressive failure (PF) process. However, traditional limit-equilibrium (LE) methods constructed their calculation models based on slice division, which makes the tension–shear and PF mechanisms less or more difficult to be revealed. Thus, a novel global stress method for slope stability is here established in the framework of the LE theory. In the present method, the slope sliding body is regarded as a whole and the calculation uncertainty is placed on SOSS, the distribution of which is described by functions with some dimensionless variables. From these functions on SOSS, the slope PF pattern can be deduced. Meanwhile, stress constraint conditions (SCCs) at both ends of the sliding body are applied to intuitively demonstrate TSZ and SSEZ. Then, the slope LE state is solved with additional mechanical equilibrium conditions of the sliding body, and the global slope factor of safety is further obtained. After comparison and analysis of homogeneous and heterogeneous slope examples, the rationality and feasibility of the proposed method are verified. Furthermore, the influence on SOSS from TSZ and SSEZ is studied, and the slope PF characteristics are analyzed.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51608541), the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province, China (Grant No. 2019JJ50772), and the Science and Technology Project of Hunan Provincial Department of Transportation, China (Grant No. 202008).
References
Baker, R. 1980. “Determination of the critical slip surface in slope stability computations.” Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 4 (4): 333–359. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.1610040405.
Bell, J. M. 1968. “General slope stability analysis.” J. Soil Mech. Found. Div. 94 (6): 1253–1270. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0001196
Bolton, H. P. J., G. Heymann, and A. Groenwold. 2003. “Global search for critical failure surface in slope stability analysis.” Eng. Optim. 35 (1): 51–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305215031000064749.
Chen, G. Q., S. Q. Zheng, J. Zhu, W. Wang, and W. K. Feng. 2020. “A quantitative display index that considers tensile failure to predict the full sliding surface of a landslide.” Landslides 17 (2): 471–482. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-019-01301-9.
Cheng, H., and X. Zhou. 2015. “A novel displacement-based rigorous limit equilibrium method for three-dimensional landslide stability analysis.” Can. Geotech. J. 52 (12): 2055–2066. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2015-0050.
Cheng, Y. M., L. Li, and S. C. Chi. 2007. “Performance studies on six heuristic global optimization methods in the location of critical slip surface.” Comput. Geotech. 34 (6): 462–484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2007.01.004.
Ching, R. K. H., and D. G. Fredlund. 1983. “Some difficulties associated with the limit equilibrium method of slices.” Can. Geotech. J. 20 (4): 661–672. https://doi.org/10.1139/t83-074.
Chugh, A. K. 1986. “Variable factor of safety in slope stability analysis.” Géotechnique 36 (1): 57–64. https://doi.org/ 10.1680/geot.1986.36.1.57.
Deng, D. P. 2021. “Novel model for limit-equilibrium analysis of slope stability with a nonlinear strength criterion.” Int. J. Geomech. 21 (9): 06021021. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0002137.
Deng, D. P., L. H. Zhao, and L. Li. 2015. “Limit equilibrium slope stability analysis using the nonlinear strength failure criterion.” Can. Geotech. J. 52 (5): 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2014-0111.
Giam, P. S. K., and I. B. Donald. 1989. Example problems for testing soil slope stability programs. Civil Engineering Research Rep. No.8/1989. Melbourne, Australia: Monash Univ.
Greco, V. R. 1996. “Efficient Monte Carlo technique for locating critical slip surface.” J. Geotech. Eng. 122 (7): 517–525. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1996)122:7(517).
Griffiths, D. V., and P. A. Lane. 1999. “Slope stability analysis by finite elements.” Géotechnique 49 (3): 387–403. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1999.49.3.387.
He, L., and Q. L. Ren. 2019. “Study on the stability of loess slope of a highway.” [In Chinese.] Highway Eng. 44 (6): 123–129, 182.
He, Y., Y. Liu, H. Hazarika, and R. Yuan. 2019. “Stability analysis of seismic slopes with tensile strength cut-off.” Comput. Geotech. 112: 245–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2019.04.029.
Huang, D., and T. Zhu. 2019. “Experimental study on the shear mechanical behavior of sandstone under normal tensile stress using a new double-shear testing device.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 52 (9): 3467–3474. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-019-01762-3.
Jin, L., and Q. Feng. 2018. “Improved radial movement optimization to determine the critical failure surface for slope stability analysis.” Environ. Earth Sci. 77 (16): 564. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-018-7742-6.
Johari, A., and S. Mousavi. 2019. “An analytical probabilistic analysis of slopes based on limit equilibrium methods.” Bull. Eng. Geol. Environ. 78 (6): 4333–4347. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-018-1408-1.
Kahatadeniya, K. S., P. Nanakorn, and K. M. Neaupane. 2009. “Determination of the critical failure surface for slope stability analysis using ant colony optimization.” Eng. Geol. 108 (1–2): 133–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2009.06.010.
Li, Y. C., Y. M. Chen, T. L. T. Zhan, D. S. Ling, and P. J. Cleall. 2010. “An efficient approach for locating the critical slip surface in slope stability analyses using a real-coded genetic algorithm.” Can. Geotech. J. 47 (7): 806–820. https://doi.org/10.1139/T09-124.
Li, Y. X., and X. L. Yang. 2016. “Stability analysis of crack slope considering nonlinearity and water pressure.” KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 20 (6): 2289–2296. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-015-0197-3.
Lin, F., L. Z. Wu, R. Q. Huang, and H. Zhang. 2018. “Formation and characteristics of the Xiaoba landslide in Fuquan, Guizhou, China.” Landslides 15 (4): 669–681. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-017-0897-5.
Liu, S. Y., L. T. Shao, and H. J. Li. 2015. “Slope stability analysis using the limit equilibrium method and two finite element methods.” Comput. Geotech. 63: 291–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2014.10.008.
Liu, S. Y., Z. N. Su, M. Li, and L. T. Shao. 2020. “Slope stability analysis using elastic finite element stress fields.” Eng. Geol. 273: 105673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2020.105673.
Lu, K. L., D. Y. Zhu, and Y. Yang. 2012. “Selection of constitution and distribution model of total normal stresses over slip surface of slope.” [In Chinese.] Rock Soil Mech. 33 (12): 3741–3746.
Luo, G. Y., H. Cao, and H. Pan. 2021. “The implementation of the Laplace equation in a slope stability analysis: The streamline method.” Acta Geotech. 16 (3): 937–958. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-020-01047-y.
Mao, L. J., Q. Xu, Z. Jian, and Y. Zhu. 2013. “Dynamic responses of slope under the effect of seismic loads.” Appl. Mech. Mater. 438–439: 1587–1591. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.438-439.1587.
Michalowski, R. L. 2017. “Stability of intact slopes with tensile strength cut-off.” Géotechnique 67 (8): 720–727. https://doi.org/ 10.1680/jgeot.16.P.037.
Murao, H., K. Nakai, T. Yoshikawa, and T. Noda. 2021. “Progressive failure of unsaturated fill slope caused by cumulative damage under seepage surface.” Int. J. Geomate 20 (78): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.21660/2020.78.j2036.
Rocscience. 2012. Slide v6.0—Two-dimensional limit equilibrium analysis of soil and rock slopes. Verification Manual Part I.
Shen, Z. J. 1999. Theoretical soil mechanics. [In Chinese.] Beijing: China Water Conservancy and Hydropower Press.
Spencer, E. 1968. “Effect of tension on stability of embankments.” J. Soil Mech. Found. Div. 94 (5): 1159–1173. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0001185.
Spencer, E. 1969. “Circular and logarithmic spiral slip surfaces.” J. Soil Mech. Found. Div. 95: 227–234. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0001219.
Sun, L., Q. S. Liu, A. Abdelaziz, X. H. Tang, and G. Grasselli. 2022. “Simulating the entire progressive failure process of rock slopes using the combined finite-discrete element method.” Comput. Geotech. 141: 104557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2021.104557.
Tavenas, F., B. Trak, and S. Leroueil. 1980. “Remarks on the validity of stability analyses.” Can. Geotech. J. 17 (1): 61–73. https://doi.org/10.1139/t80-006.
Terzaghi, K. 1943. Theoretical soil mechanics. New York: Wiley.
Wright, S. G., F. H. Kulhawy, and J. M. Duncan. 1973. “Accuracy of equilibrium slope stability analysis.” J. Soil Mech. Found. Div. 99 (10): 783–791. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0001933.
Wu, X. Y., F. J. Niu, Q. G. Liang, and G. Y. Li. 2019. “Study on tensile strength and tensile-shear coupling mechanism of loess around Lanzhou and Yanan City in China by unconfined penetration test.” KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 23 (6): 2471–2482. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-019-1332-3.
Yang, H. G., J. H. Wang, and Y. Q. Liu. 2001. “A new approach for the slope stability analysis.” Mech. Res. Commun. 28 (6): 653–669. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0093-6413(02)00217-3.
Zhang, M., L. Nie, Y. Xu, and S. L. Dai. 2015. “A thrust load-caused landslide triggered by excavation of the slope toe: A case study of the Chaancun Landslide in Dalian City, China.” Arabian J. Geosci. 8 (9): 6555–6565. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-014-1710-6.
Zhang, S. L., Z. H. Zhu, S. C. Qi, Y. X. Hu, Q. Du, and J. W. Zhou. 2018. “Deformation process and mechanism analyses for a planar sliding in the Mayanpo massive bedding rock slope at the Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station.” Landslides 15 (10): 2061–2073. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-018-1041-x.
Zhang, X. J., and W. F. Chen. 1987. “Stability analysis of slopes with general nonlinear failure criterion.” Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 11 (1): 33–50. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.1610110104.
Zhang, Y. 2018. “Seismic slope stability analysis by considering tension crack.” In Earthquake-induced landslides, 41–62. Singapore: Springer.
Zhao, L. H., S. Zuo, D. P. Deng, Z. Han, and B. Zhao. 2018. “Development mechanism for the landslide at Xinlu Village, Chongqing, China.” Landslides 15 (10): 2075–2081. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-018-1051-8.
Zheng, H., and L. G. Tham. 2009. “Improved Bell’s method for the stability analysis of slopes.” Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 33 (14): 1673–1689. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.794.
Zhou, Y. D., F. Zhang, J. Q. Wang, Y. F. Gao, and G. Y. Dai. 2019. “Seismic stability of earth slopes with tension crack.” Front. Struct. Civ. Eng. 13 (4): 950–964. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11709-019-0529-3.
Zhu, D. Y., and C. F. Lee. 2002. “Explicit limit equilibrium solution for slope stability.” Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 26 (15): 1573–1590. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.260.
Zhu, Y. B., F. T. Li, F. F. Yang, Y. X. Zhang, W. H. Tian, and H. X. Lan. 2022. “Experimental investigation on failure modes and progressive failure process of earthen check dam triggered by upstream flow.” Front. Earth Sci. 10: 818508. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2022.818508.
Zolfaghari, A. R., A. C. Heath, and P. F. McCombie. 2005. “Simple genetic algorithm search for critical non-circular failure surface in slope stability analysis.” Comput. Geotech. 32 (3): 139–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2005.02.001.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 22 • Issue 11 • November 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 22, 2021
Accepted: Jun 6, 2022
Published online: Aug 22, 2022
Published in print: Nov 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Jan 22, 2023
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.