Different aspects of slope failures considering large deformation: application of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)

Abstract

Understanding the insight of slope collapse is necessary for effective hazard mitigation policy. The conventional method may not be able to capture the actual failure mechanics as these methods are based on simplified assumptions of the predetermined slip surface. Highlighting this real engineering problem, an attempt is made in this research to simulate different aspects of slope collapse numerically. Lagrangian particle-based continuum model, namely, smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) has been used to develop a three-dimensional numerical slope model to understand the failure mechanics of unstable slopes. Both homogeneous and non-homogeneous slope models have been simulated, and the time history of naturally occurring failure planes has been tracked. A distinct slip surface has been seen from displacement contour of particles, which portray the innate response of a collapsed slope. The effect of soil properties on the response of slope surface has also been evaluated quantitatively by the different combination of non-homogeneous slope models. Afterwards, two conventional remedial measures have been simulated, and significant reduction of run-out length is seen, which can put a spotlight on future mitigation strategy in geotechnical hazard.