Numerical analysis of a finite slope improved with stone columns under the effect of earthquake force

Abstract

Slope stability is one of the most important issues of geotechnical engineering. Significant slope failures (landslides), which result from earthquakes, can cause considerable losses of life and property. Hence, it is required that a slope keeps its stability under the effect of earthquake forces. This study includes the numerical analysis (pseudo-static) of slopes improved with stone columns under the effect of earthquake force. In the analysis conducted using the finite element program, the safety factor was determined by performing the safety analysis of the slopes modeled (different s/D (2, 2.5, 3) ratios, c/(γ.H) (0.19, 0.14, etc.) ratios, and slope angles (β: 20°, 25°)) without the effect of earthquake force and under the effect of earthquake force. As a result of this study, it was observed that the slopes improved with stone columns had a higher factor of safety compared to the slopes without stone columns both under the effect of earthquake force and without the effect of earthquake force. In the study, the safety factor of the slopes improved with stone columns under the effect of earthquake force increased up to 1.24 times in comparison with the slopes not improved with stone columns. Furthermore, under the effect of earthquake force, a 22.50% decrease was observed in the horizontal displacement of the slope model supported with stone columns compared to the slopes without stone columns. The study determined that the stability of clay slopes reinforced with stone columns under the effect of earthquake force increased. In light of the data obtained from this study, it is thought that it may be important in terms of creating preliminary information in land applications that require quick and economical solutions. Moreover, it is thought that the study will shed light on other studies to be carried out since it is a basic study on the numerical investigation of finite clay slopes reinforced with stone columns under the effect of earthquake force (pseudo-static).