Simplified method for three‐dimensional slope stability analysis based on rigorous limit equilibrium

Abstract

AbstractA simplified procedure is presented for calculating the factor of safety of a slope with a 3‐D slip surface, which satisfies all the six equilibrium conditions for the 3‐D sliding body. By assuming an initial normal stress distribution on the 3‐D slip surface which is then modified by a polynomial function involving five correcting parameters, the six equilibrium equations are established with a prescribed value of factor of safety, which is linear with the five correcting parameters as well as the horizontal seismic coefficient Kc. An iterative procedure is proposed for determining the factor of safety with a prescribed value of Kc, and ensuring that the normal stresses are positive on the whole slip surface. The method is suitable for analyzing 3‐D slope stability, especially with unsymmetric 3‐D shapes, and its application in practical engineering is given, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the present method.