Abstract
The aim of this study is to propose an efficient Random Finite Element Method (RFEM) framework for the reliability analysis of cracked soil slopes. The spatial variability of desiccation cracks is characterized using the random field of crack ratios, which are easy to measure and can comprehensively reflect crack development. The random field of crack ratios is then quantitatively correlated with the mechanical and hydraulic properties of cracked soils. The framework is validated and applied to analyze the stability and failure modes of cracked soil slopes through parametric study. The results show that cracked soil slopes may undergo local failure at cracks, shallow sliding failure, and deep sliding failure depending on crack variability; however, shallow sliding failures with small scales are the most common failure mode observed in cracked slopes. When the mean crack ratio increases to 6.0 % or the mean crack depth increases to 3.0 m, the factor of safety of the cracked slope may drop to 12.8 %–32.0 % of that of an intact slope. Moreover, a stronger positive correlation between the crack ratio and depth tends to increase the probability of failure and is more prone to cause local failure at cracks.
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