Non-linear shear strength reduction technique in slope stability calculation

Abstract

To exactly implement the non-linear Hoek–Brown shear strength reduction in slope stability calculations, three aspects of the problem are considered. Firstly, the normal and shear stress relationship of the generalized Hoek–Brown criterion (2002 edition) is derived by introducing the Mohr–Coulomb instantaneous friction angle as a variable. Secondly, the instantaneous Mohr–Coulomb friction angle and cohesive strength are derived for a micro-unit at a given stress state and they can be used to describe the shear strength of the rock mass under different stress states. Finally, the implementation of the non-linear shear strength reduction is described and a slope example is selected to verify our method. This technique can be also applied to other non-linear failure criteria.