Discussions on limit equilibrium and finite element methods for slope stability analysis

&#160; In slope stability analysis, two-dimensional (2D) analysis techniques are usually applied due to its simplicity and extensive applicability. Given that slope failures are three-dimensional (3D) in nature, especially in the slope with complex geometry, a 3D slope stability analysis could lead to more reasonable results [1]. In slope stability analyses, limit equilibrium method (LEM) and finite element method (FEM) are widely used. Note that LEM only satisfies equations of statics and does not consider strain and displacement compatibility; FEM may encounter significant mesh distortion during large deformations where convergence difficulty and the analysis may be terminated before the slope reaches failure [2]. In the study, a Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) method, which allows materials to flow through fixed meshes regardless of distortions, was utilized to investigate 3D slope stability [3]. Validation of the numerical modeling was first presented using a typically assumed 3D slope. After the validation, various types of slopes (i.e. turning corners, convex- and concave-shaped surfaces) with various boundary conditions (unrestrained, semi-restrained, and fully restrained) are carefully conducted to examine the 3D slope stability. It is anticipated the 3D analyses can shed some light on the slope stability analysis with extreme or complex geometry cases and provide more reasonable results.&#160;REFERENCE<ol><li>T.-K. Nian, R.-Q. Huang, S.-S. Wan, and G.-Q. Chen (2012): Three-dimensional strength-reduction finite element analysis of slopes: geometric effects. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 49: 574&#8211;588.</li> <li>C. Hung, C.-H. Liu, G.-W. Lin and Ben Leshchinsky (2019): The Aso-Bridge coseismic landslide: a numerical investigation of failure and runout behavior using finite and discrete element methods. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment. doi: 10.1007/s10064-018-1309-3.</li> <li>C. Han. Lin, C. Hung and T.-Y. Hsu (2020): Investigations of granular material behaviors using coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian technique: From granular collapse to fluid-structure interaction. Computers and Geotechnics (under review).</li> </ol>&#160;&#160;

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Three-Dimensional Finite Element Limit Equilibrium Method for Slope Stability Analysis Based on the Unique Sliding Direction

Slope Stability and Earth Retaining Walls ◽

10.1061/47627(406)7 ◽

2011 ◽

Author(s):

Hongjun Li ◽

Longtan Shao

Keyword(s):

Finite Element ◽

Stability Analysis ◽

Slope Stability ◽

Limit Equilibrium ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Limit Equilibrium Method ◽

Slope Stability Analysis ◽

Sliding Direction ◽

Dimensional Finite Element ◽

Three Dimensional Finite Element

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The Study on Slope Stability Analysis Based on Finite Element Method

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.575.70 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 575 ◽

pp. 70-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ying Xia Huo ◽

Hong Fei Zhai

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Method ◽

Finite Element ◽

Stability Analysis ◽

Slope Stability ◽

Safety Factor ◽

Limit Equilibrium ◽

Slope Stability Analysis ◽

Soil Parameters ◽

Time Element ◽

Element Method

Slope stability represents an area of geotechnical analysis in which finite element method provides a lot of benefits over limit equilibrium. In this paper, the authors apply a finite element code, PLAXIS, on slope stability analysis with various conditions to state out sensitivities of not only the soil parameters, slope configuration and groundwater condition but also numerical condition that one would encounter when making a FE slope design. It demonstrates that slightly conservative safety factor is obtained using FEM over the ones from limit equilibrium method. Intensity of mesh for simulation domain shall be selected as a fine level for an acceptable accuracy and economical computation time. Element nodes slightly affect the result of safety factor and final deformation of the slope.

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