Abstract
The application of limit equilibrium analysis and numerical simulation in case of slope instability is described. The purpose of the study was to use both limit equilibrium methods (LEMs) and numerical simulations (finite element method (FEM)) to understanding the common factor imposing the selected slope into slope instabilities. Field observations, toppling analysis, rotational analysis, and numerical simulations were performed. The results of the study showed that the selected unstable slopes were associated with the sliding types of toppling; it was observed that the slopes were governed by tension cracks and layered soil mass and dominated with approximately two joints sets throughout. The simulated factor of safety (FoS) of the slopes composed of clay soil was denoted to be prone to slope instability while others were categorized as moderately stable. The simulated FoS of the slopes correlated very well with the visual observations; however, it is anticipated that properties of soil mass and other characteristics of the slopes contributed largely to the simulated FoS. The sensitivity of the model was further tested by looking into the effect of the slope angle on the stability of the slope. The results of the simulations showed that the steeper the slope, the more they become prone to instability. Lastly, Phase 2 numerical simulation (FEM) showed that volumetric strain, shear stress, shear strain, total displacement, and σ1 and σ3 components of the slope increase with the stages of the road construction. It was concluded improper road construction, steepness of the slope, slope properties (soil types), and multiple geological features cutting across are the common mechanisms behind the slope instability.
Highlights
The history of landslides in a form of slope instability has been documented to be one of the global threats to humans and the environment, as well as infrastructures [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
Landslides are considered to be a global challenge, Africa is one of the continents that has been identified to be leading among others [2,8]; it appears that there are several landslides that occurred in Africa but few have been reported and studied [5,9,10,11,12]
The results were produced by using a limit equilibrium (LE) analysis together with the FEM model
Summary
The history of landslides in a form of slope instability has been documented to be one of the global threats to humans and the environment, as well as infrastructures [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. These roads are the bloodline between villages and surrounding townships. Kinematic techniques can be regarded as useful tools for the simplified analysis of rock slope stability. Their relevance is limited to desktop studies beyond which limit equilibrium methods are better suited. Kinematic techniques can be regarded as useful Stouostlasinfaobirlittyh2e0s20im, 1p2,lxifiFeOdRaPnEaERlyRsEisVoIEfWrock slope stability Their relevance is limited to des4kotfo3p3 studies beyond which limit equilibrium methods are better suited. Treossuilmtspolfiftyhethselorpeseuslatsfeotyf tfhaectsotru.dTyo, sthime pfilrisfyt atnhaelryessiuslwtsaosfttohesismtuudlayt,eththeefisrasfteatnyaflaycstiosrwoafssitlot scilmayusloatiel, cthlaeyssaofeilt,yafnadc,tolarsotlfys, iclltacylalyoasmoils,ocilla.y soil, and, lastly, clay loam soil
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