Seismic stability for landfills with a triangular berm using pseudo-static limit equilibrium method

Abstract

This paper extends a previously developed three-part wedge method for the seismic stability analysis of the landfill with a triangular berm using pseudo-static method, and moreover, the translation failure condition of the landfill along under bottom of the berm is only presented. In the seismic impact zone, it is necessary to consider the impact of the seismic force on the stability of the landfill. Generally, apart from the horizontal seismic force, the landfill is also subjected to both upward and downward vertical seismic forces. The downward vertical seismic force has a positive impact on the seismic stability of the landfill, while the upward vertical seismic force is just opposite. Therefore, simply ignoring vertical seismic force, the seismic stability of the landfill will be overestimated or underestimated in the seismic condition. Besides, the seismic yield coefficient is calculated by assuming FSV = 2FS and the ratio of vertical seismic coefficient to horizontal seismic coefficient is equal to 2/3.