Abstract
With recent advances in calculation methods, the external factors that affect slope stability, such as water content fluctuations and self-configuration, can be more easily assessed. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element strength reduction method was used to analyze the stability of three-dimensional slopes under fluctuating water conditions. Based on soil parameter variations in engineering practice, the calculation models were established using heterogeneous layers, including a cover layer with inferior properties. An analysis of seepage, deformation and slope stability was carried out with 27 different models, including three different slope gradients and nine different corner angles under five different hydraulic conditions. The failure mechanism has been shown to be closely related to the change in matric suction of unsaturated soils and the geometric slope configuration. Finally, the effect of geometry (surface shape, turning corner and slope gradient) and water (fluctuations) on slope stability are discussed in detail. Emphasis is given to comparing safety factors obtained considering or ignoring matric suction.
Highlights
IntroductionContinuous research and field investigations have shown that geometric configuration is an important factor in the stability of both natural and constructed slopes [10,11,12,13,14,15]
Frequent landslides have long motivated research into slope stability under various conditions [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9].Continuous research and field investigations have shown that geometric configuration is an important factor in the stability of both natural and constructed slopes [10,11,12,13,14,15]
Engineering practices have shown that geometric configurations have important effects on slope stability
Summary
Continuous research and field investigations have shown that geometric configuration is an important factor in the stability of both natural and constructed slopes [10,11,12,13,14,15]. The topographic effect on slope stability under fluctuating water conditions has rarely been investigated, even though slope deformation and instability occur frequently in reservoir areas [16,17,18,19,20,21,22]. Most natural and constructed slopes exhibit a complex geometric configuration and three-dimensional (3D) state, which greatly increases the slope stability variability and calculation complexity. Coupled with the regular and sudden water level fluctuations, the topographic effect on slope stability considering saturated and unsaturated conditions urgently require research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
