Stability Analysis of Residual Soil Slope Model by Numerical Modeling Using FEM Against LEM

Abstract

Due to the advances of numerical simulation with computer modeling software, engineers and designers are gaining more interest in simulation methods for the prediction of soil behavior. Slope failure could be considered the most challenging aspect in geotechnical engineering. Accordingly, nowadays, many computer modeling software is employed for the evaluation of natural slope stability analyses. In this paper, the soil slope model analyses were implemented using the finite element analysis method (FEM) and simulated using PLAXIS-2D software. The parameters of soil layers used to feed these slope models were obtained from laboratory results by drained triaxial compression tests conducted on remoulded residual soil samples prepared under 200 kPa remolding pressure. This paper aims to present numerical simulations of natural slope stability by determining the failure surface and the corresponding safety factor with consideration to the influence of various slope geometries. Then, the obtained (FOS) values were then compared with previous results of similar slope models that were calculated by limit equilibrium analysis method (LEM) using SLOPE/W software. The evaluated results indicated that the change in the slope geometries could considerably influence the calculated FOS. Furthermore, the FE method calculated the safety factor close to but slightly higher than the results calculated by the LE method. Nevertheless, both methods are satisfying in obtaining the ideal mechanism of slope failure behavior. However, the application of (FEM) offers an attractive alternative to traditional approaches to the problem, especially for (LEM).