A Coupled Finite Element Method in Slope Stability Analysis

This paper presents a method for slope stability analysis by finite elements. In this method, a potential slip surface is implemented as interface elements coupled with the soil slope as solid elements. The fundamental theory for this method and the general slice method is discussed. Stress mobilization analysis to bring the potential slip surface to a limit state is carried out by a coupled procedure between the interface elements and the solid elements. In order to couple the slip surface as interface elements and the soil slope as solid elements, the principle of energy stationarity must be satisfied in whole procedure to bring the slip surface from initial static equilibrium state to the limit equilibrium state. The principle of virtual displacement was used for both the slip surface as interface elements and the soil slope as solid elements in this method. The factor of safety for a potential slip surface is defined and discussed when applying the principle of virtual displacement on the slip surface and the soil sliding mass above the slip surface. This paper also presents an analysis case and comparison with the general slice methods.