Limit equilibrium stability analysis of slopes under external loads

Abstract

Two calculation modes for the effect of external load on slope stability, i.e., mode I in which the external load is thought to act on slope surface, and mode II in which the external load is thought to act on slip surface along the force action line, were considered. Meanwhile, four basic distribution patterns of external load were used, of which complex external loads could be composed. In analysis process, several limit equilibrium methods, such as Swedish method, simplified Bishop method, simplified Janbu method, Spencer method, Morgenstern-Price (M-P) method, Sarma method, and unbalanced thrust method, were also adopted to contrast their differences in slope stability under the external load. According to parametric analysis, some conclusions can be obtained as follows: (1) The external load, with the large magnitude, small inclination angle, and acting position close to the slope toe, has more positive effect on slope stability; (2) The results calculated using modes I and II of external load are similar, indicating that the calculation mode of external load has little influence on slope stability; (3) If different patterns of external loads are equivalent to each other, their slope stability under these external loads are the same, and if not, the external load leads to the better slope stability, as action position of the resultant force for external load is closer to the lower sliding point of slip surface.

Keywords

slope stability / calculation mode of external load / distribution pattern of external load / limit equilibrium / slip surface / factor of safety (FOS)

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