Abstract
In order to study the three-dimensional stability problem of the saturated soft clay slope under earthquake loads, based on the three-dimensional rotation failure model, the seismic force was introduced into the calculation by the quasi-static method. The work rate of external loads and the internal energy dissipation rate of the saturated soft clay slope were calculated using the upper bound method of limit analysis, and the analytical solution of stability coefficient of saturated soft clay slopes was derived based on the fictitious power principle. By virtue of the exhaust algorithm, the optimal solution of stability coefficient of saturated soft clay slopes was obtained. The influence of the slope angle and the horizontal and vertical seismic forces on the stability coefficient of saturated soft clay slope was analyzed. The results show that the slope angle has a great influence on the stability coefficient, and the relative difference is up to 35.7%. Therefore, the stability coefficient of saturated soft clay slopes can be effectively increased by a proper slope setting. The horizontal and vertical seismic forces also have a significant influence on the stability of saturated soft clay slopes. The relative differences of the stability coefficient under horizontal and vertical seismic forces are as high as 41 and 14.7%, respectively. If they are ignored, the stability coefficient of saturated soft clay slopes will be seriously overestimated. It is suggested that the effects of horizontal and vertical seismic forces must be considered simultaneously in the seismic design of saturated soft clay slopes.
Highlights
Safety of the slope has always been a concern in engineering
In this work, the effect of horizontal and vertical seismic forces on the stability of the saturated soft clay slope was studied based on the 3D rotational failure mechanism of the slope and the limit analysis upper bound method combined with the quasi-static method, so as to provide reference for the seismic design of similar projects in the future
In order to reflect the state of saturated soft clay slope failure more truly, a block with width b is inserted into the middle of the 3D rotational failure mechanism, as shown in Figure 2; as b→+∞, the 3D failure mechanism degenerates to a 2D plane strain condition
Summary
Safety of the slope has always been a concern in engineering. Soil slopes are usually made of clay, sand, silt, etc. For the three-dimensional stability of the slope, Huang et al (2002) expanded the 3D stability analysis method, making it possible to use “ two-directional force and moment equilibrium” in any shape of 3D failure mechanism. In 2009, Michalowski and Drescher (2009), Michalowski (2010) put forward a 3D rotational failure mechanism of the slope and investigated the impact of seismic forces on the slope stability and safety coefficient by the upper limit method. In this work, the effect of horizontal and vertical seismic forces on the stability of the saturated soft clay slope was studied based on the 3D rotational failure mechanism of the slope and the limit analysis upper bound method combined with the quasi-static method, so as to provide reference for the seismic design of similar projects in the future
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