Slope stability analysis of coastal geotechnical structures under combined effects of earthquake and rainfall

Abstract

The primary factors responsible for inducing landslide disasters are earthquakes and rainfall. Using the strength reduction method within the finite element analysis software Abaqus, a study was conducted to analyze the stability of coastal geotechnical slopes. This investigation considered the combined influence of rainfall and earthquakes, taking into account the geological conditions and characteristics specific to these coastal areas. The results indicate that, under the same seismic acceleration amplitude, the shear strength of the slope soil gradually decreases as the water content increases, resulting in a decrease in the stability coefficient. Similarly, with a constant water content in the slope, an increase in seismic acceleration amplitude leads to heightened soil shear stress, consequently decreasing the stability coefficient. Maintaining constant water content while increasing seismic acceleration results in elevated soil shear stress, reduced shear strength, and a subsequent decrease in the stability coefficient. The simultaneous occurrence of intense rainfall and a strong earthquake pushes the slope to its most precarious state, causing the most significant reduction in the stability coefficient. Incorporating anti-slip piles substantially enhances the slope’s stability coefficient, and an optimal arrangement of anti-slip piles for the most unfavorable conditions is proposed.