Finite Element Methods against Limit Equilibrium Approaches for Slope Stability Analysis

Khabbaz, H; Fatahi, B; Nucifora, C

Finite Element Methods against Limit Equilibrium Approaches for Slope Stability Analysis

Khabbaz, H

Fatahi, B

Nucifora, C

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Publisher:: Geomechanical Society and New Zealand Geotechnical Society
Publication Type:: Conference Proceeding
Citation:: Proceedings of the 11th Australia - New Zealand Conference on Geomechanics - Ground Engineering in a Changing World (ANZ 2012), 2012, pp. 1293 - 1298
Issue Date:: 2012-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Khabbaz, H https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6637-4601	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Fatahi, B https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7920-6946	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Nucifora, C	en_US
dc.contributor.editor	Narsilio, G	en_US
dc.contributor.editor	Arulrajah, A	en_US
dc.contributor.editor	Kodikara, J	en_US
dc.date	2012-07-15	en_US
dc.date.issued	2012-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Proceedings of the 11th Australia - New Zealand Conference on Geomechanics - Ground Engineering in a Changing World (ANZ 2012), 2012, pp. 1293 - 1298	en_US
dc.identifier.isbn	978-0-646-54301-7	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/19297
dc.description.abstract	A number of powerful numerical models, including limit equilibrium and finite element (FE) methods, have been developed for slope stability analysis in recent decades. The limit equilibrium method contains several limitations, yet is considered the most common approach. However, the advancement of technology has increased the use of the finite element method as it embraces a wider range of features. The limit equilibrium software, SLOPE/W, and the FE program PLAXIS are two common software programs currently employed in geotechnical engineering. Slope analysis using the limit equilibrium method involves a series of slip surfaces dividing ground into vertical slices, and using the static equilibrium equations to calculate the factor of safety (FOS) and stresses for each slice. PLAXIS requires the input of soil properties and elastic-plastic parameters of elements. In this study the properties of a heterogeneous slope, consisting of general fill embankment over soft, slightly overconsolidated clay is implemented in each program. The FOS of slopes is determined for subsequent design requirements, and results are analysed and comparisons are conducted. The effect of Youngâs modulus on the FOS is also discussed. Recommendations are provided based on the results and previously published findings. The contribution of this paper is beneficial to geotechnical engineers, as it discusses the suitability and limitations of each method and assesses reliability of model outputs for slope stability analyses.	en_US
dc.publisher	Geomechanical Society and New Zealand Geotechnical Society	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Proceedings of the 11th Australia - New Zealand Conference on Geomechanics - Ground Engineering in a Changing World (ANZ 2012)	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Australia New Zealand Conference on Geomechanics	en_US
dc.title	Finite Element Methods against Limit Equilibrium Approaches for Slope Stability Analysis	en_US
dc.type	Conference Proceeding
utslib.location	Melbourne, Australia	en_US
utslib.location.activity	Melbourne, Australia	en_US
utslib.for	090501 Civil Geotechnical Engineering	en_US
utslib.for	0905 Civil Engineering	en_US
dc.location.activity	Melbourne, Australia	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CBI - Centre for Built Infrastructure
utslib.copyright.status	open_access
pubs.consider-herdc	false	en_US
pubs.finish-date	2012-07-18	en_US
pubs.place-of-publication	Melbourne, Australia	en_US
pubs.start-date	2012-07-15	en_US

Abstract:

A number of powerful numerical models, including limit equilibrium and finite element (FE) methods, have been developed for slope stability analysis in recent decades. The limit equilibrium method contains several limitations, yet is considered the most common approach. However, the advancement of technology has increased the use of the finite element method as it embraces a wider range of features. The limit equilibrium software, SLOPE/W, and the FE program PLAXIS are two common software programs currently employed in geotechnical engineering. Slope analysis using the limit equilibrium method involves a series of slip surfaces dividing ground into vertical slices, and using the static equilibrium equations to calculate the factor of safety (FOS) and stresses for each slice. PLAXIS requires the input of soil properties and elastic-plastic parameters of elements. In this study the properties of a heterogeneous slope, consisting of general fill embankment over soft, slightly overconsolidated clay is implemented in each program. The FOS of slopes is determined for subsequent design requirements, and results are analysed and comparisons are conducted. The effect of Youngâs modulus on the FOS is also discussed. Recommendations are provided based on the results and previously published findings. The contribution of this paper is beneficial to geotechnical engineers, as it discusses the suitability and limitations of each method and assesses reliability of model outputs for slope stability analyses.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/19297