Dynamic modeling of large deformation slope failure using smoothed particle finite element method

Abstract

In this paper, a novel node-based explicit smoothed particle finite element method (SPFEM), on the basis of the particle finite element method (PFEM) framework, is utilized to evaluate the stability of slopes and to simulate the post-failure behavior of soil. The main advantage of SPFEM in slope stability analysis lies in its capabilities to consider the whole dynamic failure process of slope and to simulate large deformation and post-failure of soils. For the stability analysis of a cohesive soil slope, the shear strength reduction technique with a kinetic energy-based criterion for distinguishing slope failure is adopted to obtain the factor of safety (FOS) of a slope, and the FOS is compared with that obtained by the classical FEM and LEM approaches for further validation. Then, the dynamic failure process of a non-cohesive granular material slope is simulated using Drucker-Prager constitutive model. The influence of friction resistance of granular material, as well as the repose angle of slope after failure, is discussed. Finally, the progressive failure behavior of a long clayey slope is modeled using SPFEM in conjunction with a strain-softening Tresca constitutive model. The retrogressive failure behavior of a long clayey slope is analyzed.