Abstract
In this study, to support slope stability estimating engineering, the stability of a slope with cracks lying on two-layered slopes was investigated by a self-developed adaptive element limit analysis (AFELA) code. Upper bound (UB) and lower bound (LB) results of soil additional gravity factor SF within 4% relative error were obtained to quantify the effects of several factors, including the Moore‒Cullen strength ratio, angle of the slope, thickness of the top layer, length of the crack, angle of the crack, and crack’s distance from the edge. Typical failure patterns were also discussed for deeper insight into the two-layered slope stability with cracks. In addition, the results of the AFELA code were compared with the actual situation of the slope and existing commercial calculation software to verify the reliability of this investigation.
Highlights
In this study, to support slope stability estimating engineering, the stability of a slope with cracks lying on two-layered slopes was investigated by a self-developed adaptive element limit analysis (AFELA) code
Introduction e in situ geological survey report shows that, due to the influence of dry‒wet cycles [1], erosion caused by rainfall [2], and human disturbances, there may be a large number of initial cracks in the shallow slope, and the existence of these cracks will affect the stability of the slope [3, 4]
MC (shown in Figure 6(a)) and the failure surface is from the toe of the top layer to the bottom of the crack; as shown in Figure 6(b), the slope tends toward overall failure, and the failure surface is from the toe of slope to the bottom of the crack. e different failure mode can be explained by the antisliding force caused in the top layer [35, 45]
Summary
To support slope stability estimating engineering, the stability of a slope with cracks lying on two-layered slopes was investigated by a self-developed adaptive element limit analysis (AFELA) code. Cheng et al [23] compared the calculation results of limit analysis and strength reduction method [24] in slope stability and proved the reliability of limit analysis in calculating the stability of homogeneous soil slopes. Advances in Civil Engineering used the finite element method to study the stability of the soil‒rock slope and obtained the real slope plastic development zone; Zhou et al [26] used limit analysis to study the influence of uneven distribution of soil strength on slope stability. Utili et al [38] conducted in-depth research on the stability of cracked slopes, but their research conclusions are not sufficient to guide engineering applications
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