Observations on Limit Equilibrium–Based Slope Reliability Problems with Inclined Weak Seams
Publication: Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 136, Issue 10
Abstract
This study addresses the complexity of slope reliability problems based on limit equilibrium methods (LEMs). The main focus is on the existence of multiple failure modes that poses difficulty to many LEM-based slope reliability methods. In particular, when weak seams are present, the failure modes associated with those seams may be difficult to detect. A systematic way of searching the failure modes is proposed, and its robustness over slopes with or without weak seams is demonstrated. It is found that in the presence of weak seams, assuming circular slip surfaces may cause underestimation of slope failure probability. The conclusion of the study promotes the use of finite elements as the stability method for reliability evaluation because it is not necessary to search for failure surfaces in finite-element stability analysis.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 136 • Issue 10 • October 2010
Pages: 1220 - 1233
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Feb 2, 2009
Accepted: Mar 9, 2010
Published online: Mar 12, 2010
Published in print: Oct 2010
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