Stability design charts for homogeneous slopes under typical conditions based on the double shear strength reduction technique

Abstract

Based on a brief review of the existing shear strength reduction (SSR) techniques, the objective function of the comprehensive safety factor for simple homogeneous slopes is established by combining the double SSR technique (considered the shortest pathway of the strength reduction) with the upper bound limit analysis theorem, leading to a strict upper bound on the safety factor. Combining nonlinear sequential quadratic programming (SQP) with the random walk method, the value of the comprehensive safety factor can be optimized, avoiding the trap of a local minimum. Compared with classical examples, the present method is a conservative and effective method for slope stability evaluation. A set of design charts for homogeneous slopes under simple and typical conditions, such as surcharge load, pore water pressure, and seismic loading are produced by the analysis of substantial data, which can eliminate the necessity for iterations when calculating the safety factor. These stability charts are presented in a convenient manner to determine the comprehensive safety factors and corresponding failure patterns under different typical conditions, which might be preferred by engineers for performing the preliminary evaluations of slope safety. Several examples are used to illustrate the application of these stability charts under different conditions.