Limit analysis of slopes with cracks: Comparisons of results

Abstract

A comparison of the solutions derived from the limit analysis and variational limit equilibrium methods, which are used to determine the stability of slopes with tension cracks, was performed. The mechanisms of crack formation should be considered as internal dissipation in the limit analysis method. The upper-bound solutions that were derived using this approach were quite consistent with the closed-form solutions derived using the limit equilibrium method. The critical locations and depths of the potential tension cracks are presented in charts, which may be useful for assessing the potential for cracks in the slope failures and soil properties in the back-analysis of failure cases.