Abstract
The seismic performance of slopes is typically evaluated with a pseudo-static method using equivalent horizontal load or with Newmark sliding block analysis. In both procedures, the definition of the potential sliding surface is a required input. The sliding surface has been reported to be marginally influenced by the input ground motion and, therefore, is most often assumed from a pseudo-static procedure. In this study, extensive series of two-dimensional dynamic nonlinear finite element analyses are performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the sliding surface on the slope geometry, soil strength parameters, and input ground motion characteristics. It is demonstrated that the sliding surface may vary with the intensity and frequency characteristics of the input motion. Slopes with inclination angle equal or less than 35° are shown to be marginally influenced by motion intensity if the mean period (Tm) < 0.3 s. However, slopes inclined at 45° are revealed to be more sensitive to the motion intensity and Tm. For motions with Tm > 0.3 s, the sliding surface is demonstrated to widen with an increase in the intensity of the input ground motions. The degree of widening increases proportionally with an increase in Tm. It is, therefore, recommended to derive sliding surfaces from a dynamic analysis for steep slopes.
Highlights
Catastrophic hazards produced by seismically induced slope failures have been widely observed in previous severe earthquakes [1,2]
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity of the sliding surface on the slope geometry, soil parameters, and input motion characteristics
The objective of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity of the sliding surface to input motion intensity and frequency characteristics for a range of slope characterizations
Summary
Catastrophic hazards produced by seismically induced slope failures have been widely observed in previous severe earthquakes [1,2]. A wide range of approaches is available to predict the seismic stability of the natural and engineered slopes (e.g., dams and embankments) These include (a) pseudo-static method; (b) Newmark sliding block method; (c) stress deformation methods. Saygili and Rathje [9] developed an empirical predictive model for predicting the earthquake induced displacements based on the Newmark sliding block procedure In these studies, the soil mass was assumed as a rigid block. Tsai and Chien [11] followed the same hypothesis and developed a displacement model for rigid and flexible slopes In both pseudo-static and Newmark methods, it has been assumed that the critical sliding surface is independent on the frequency characteristics and amplitude of the input ground motion. The surface determined from a limit equilibrium analysis has been utilized
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