Mechanical Conditions Satisfied in a Method of Slope Stability Analysis Using a Spring Attached to Inter-Slice Planes

Abstract

A method of the slope stability analysis using a spring attached to the inter-slice planes (hereafter called SSM) determines the inclination angles of inter-slice forces by using the displacements of slices. This study will show that the SSM can account for the displacements of the slices by using the characteristics of each component utilized in the SSM directly. Examination of the static equilibrium condition by using analytical examples clarified that besides this condition, the conservation of work is satisfied in the SSM. In general, it is difficult to satisfy the necessary conditions in the displacement field and stress field at the same time. Though the SSM can derive accurate results, this method does not satisfy the stress-strain relationship of the shear force acting on the inter-slice planes which is one of the conditions required in the failure phenomena of structure. The reason why the SSM does not satisfiy all of the necessary conditions is that the inclination angles concerning the inter-slice forces due to the displacement field are converted into those due to the stress field by a value of k included in the assumed equation concerning the interslice forces.