Slope Stability Assessment Using a New Finite-Element Analysis with Emphasis on K0 and ν Mutual Influence on the Initial Stress Field
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24, Issue 9
Abstract
A novel finite-element (FE) procedure for analyzing slope stability was recently developed and encoded into a Fortran computer code S4DINA 2.0. This innovative approach involves a gradual increment in the principal stress deviator in a specific way until an unstable condition is reached. In the original version of S4DINA 2.0, the initial stress field was assessed using the gravity loading procedure (GLP), which has various limitations. This paper introduces the fictitious excavation method (FEP) as an alternative procedure for estimating initial stresses. After incorporating the FEP into S4DINA 2.0, a parametric investigation was conducted to explore the effect of the coefficient of soil pressure at rest (K0) and Poisson’s ratio (ν) on the GLP and FEP, which used three selected slope examples. The evolution of the factor of safety (FOS), as determined by the stress deviator increasing model (SDIM), was examined for ν for a variety of soil friction angles (ϕ′). The findings of this paper were documented in detail. The inclusion of K0 as an inherent soil property in the GLP was unfeasible due to the formulation nature of the GLP. In addition, when this method is used, the resulting FOS might significantly deviate from the accurate result in numerous instances. However, in scenarios where K0 exceeds one, the FEP remains the exclusive solution, and when K0 is less than one, selecting the FEP with an appropriate ϕ′ value is the best choice for achieving a rigorous FOS.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or codes generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. The available item is the Fortran computer code S4DINA 2.0.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24 • Issue 9 • September 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Sep 28, 2023
Accepted: Feb 20, 2024
Published online: Jun 24, 2024
Published in print: Sep 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Nov 24, 2024
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