scholarly journals Development and validation of the Terrain Stability model for assessing landslide risk during heavy rain infiltration

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Gutiérrez-Martín ◽  
Miguel Ángel Herrada ◽  
José Ignacio Yenes Gallego ◽  
Ricardo Castedo Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Slope Stability ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Heavy Rain ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Landslide Risk ◽  
Stability Of Slopes ◽  
Stability Model ◽  
Precipitation Type ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
State Assumption

Abstract. Slope stability is a key topic, not only for engineers but also for politicians, due to the considerable monetary and human losses that landslides can cause every year. In fact, it is estimated that landslides have caused thousands of deaths and economic losses amounting to tens of billions of euros per year around the world. The geological stability of slopes is affected by several factors, such as climate, earthquakes, lithology and rock structures, among others. Climate is one of the main factors, especially when large amounts of rainwater are absorbed in short periods of time. Taking into account this issue, we developed an innovative analytical model using the limit equilibrium method supported by a geographic information system (GIS). This model is especially useful for predicting the risk of landslides in scenarios of heavy unpredictable rainfall. A hydrological steady-state assumption was incorporated into this approach. The model, called Terrain Stability (TS), was developed and programmed in MATLAB. This model allows a simulation of the slope stability in a 2D spatial distribution. Many variables measured in the field – topography, precipitation, type of soil – can be added, changed or updated using simple input parameters. To validate the model, we applied it to a real example, that of a landslide which resulted in human and material losses (collapse of a building) at Hundidero, La Viñuela (Málaga) in February 2010.

scholarly journals Development and validation of the terrain stability model for assessing landslide instability during heavy rain infiltration

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 721-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Gutiérrez-Martín ◽  
Miguel Ángel Herrada ◽  
José Ignacio Yenes ◽  
Ricardo Castedo
Keyword(s):  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Heavy Rain ◽  
Limit Equilibrium Method ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Stability Of Slopes ◽  
Stability Model ◽  
The World ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
D Model

Abstract. Slope stability is a key topic, not only for engineers but also for politicians, due to the considerable monetary and human losses that landslides can cause every year. In fact, it is estimated that landslides have caused thousands of deaths and economic losses amounting to tens of billions of euros per year around the world. The geological stability of slopes is affected by several factors, such as climate, earthquakes, lithology and rock structures, among others. Climate is one of the main factors, especially when large amounts of rainwater are absorbed in short periods of time. Taking this issue into account, we developed an innovative analytical model using the limit equilibrium method supported by a geographic information system (GIS). This model is especially useful for predicting the risk of landslides in scenarios of heavy unpredictable rainfall. The model, hereafter named terrain stability (or TS) is a 2-D model, is programed in MATLAB and includes a steady-state hydrological term. Many variables measured in the field – topography, precipitation and type of soil – can be added, changed or updated using simple input parameters. To validate the model, we applied it to a real example – that of a landslide which resulted in human and material losses (collapse of a building) at Hundidero, La Viñuela (Málaga), Spain, in February 2010.

scholarly journals Dealing with deep uncertainties in landslide modelling for disaster risk reduction under climate change

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Almeida ◽  
Elizabeth Ann Holcombe ◽  
Francesca Pianosi ◽  
Thorsten Wagener
Keyword(s):  
Slope Stability ◽  
Slope Failure ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Landslide Risk ◽  
Residual Soils ◽  
Loss Of Life ◽  
Economic Changes ◽  
Critical Thresholds ◽  
Stability Model ◽  
Steep Slopes

Abstract. Landslides have large negative economic and societal impacts, including loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Slope stability assessment is a vital tool for landslide risk management, but high levels of uncertainty often challenge its usefulness. Uncertainties are associated with the numerical model used to assess slope stability and its parameters, with the data characterizing the geometric, geotechnic and hydrologic properties of the slope, and with hazard triggers (e.g. rainfall). Uncertainties associated with many of these factors are also likely to be exacerbated further by future climatic and socio-economic changes, such as increased urbanization and resultant land use change. In this study, we illustrate how numerical models can be used to explore the uncertain factors that influence potential future landslide hazard using a bottom-up strategy. Specifically, we link the Combined Hydrology And Stability Model (CHASM) with sensitivity analysis and Classification And Regression Trees (CART) to identify critical thresholds in slope properties and climatic (rainfall) drivers that lead to slope failure. We apply our approach to a slope in the Caribbean, an area that is naturally susceptible to landslides due to a combination of high rainfall rates, steep slopes, and highly weathered residual soils. For this particular slope, we find that uncertainties regarding some slope properties (namely thickness and effective cohesion of topsoil) are as important as the uncertainties related to future rainfall conditions. Furthermore, we show that 89 % of the expected behaviour of the studied slope can be characterized based on only two variables – the ratio of topsoil thickness to cohesion and the ratio of rainfall intensity to duration.

A 3D slope stability analysis method assuming parallel lines of intersection and differential straining of block contacts

2002 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 799-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhsiung Chang
Keyword(s):  
Slope Stability ◽  
Factor Of Safety ◽  
Slip Surface ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Shear Stresses ◽  
Block System ◽  
Stability Of Slopes ◽  
Sliding Mechanism ◽  
The Stability

A three-dimensional (3D) method of analysis of the stability of slopes was developed based on the sliding mechanism observed in the 1988 failure of the Kettleman Hills landfill slope (Kettleman City, California) and the associated model studies. By adopting a limit equilibrium concept, the method assumes the sliding mass as a block system in which the contacts between blocks are inclined. The lines of intersection of the block contacts are assumed to be parallel, which enables the sliding kinematics. In consideration of the differential straining between blocks, the shear stresses on the slip surface and the block contacts are evaluated based on the degree of shear strength mobilization on these contacts. The overall factor of safety is calculated based on the force equilibrium of the individual blocks and the entire block system as well. Based on comparisons with a series of hypothetical 3D and 2D problems with known solutions, the method was generally found to be accurate in predicting the stability of slopes involving a translational type of sliding failure. For rotational sliding failures in clays, however, the method appears to slightly overestimate the calculated factor of safety; up to as much as 10% in a typical problem examined in this study.Key words: slope stability, 3D method, limit equilibrium, block kinematics, strain incompatibility.

scholarly journals Probabilistic seismic slope stability analysis and design

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (12) ◽  
pp. 1979-1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesse Burgess ◽  
Gordon A. Fenton ◽  
D.V. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Slope Stability ◽  
Slope Failure ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Seismic Stability ◽  
Seismic Load ◽  
Seismic Slope Stability ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Stability Of Slopes ◽  
Random Finite Element Method ◽  
The Face

Deterministic seismic slope stability design charts for cohesive–frictional ([Formula: see text]) soils are traditionally used by geotechnical engineers to include the effects of earthquakes on slopes. These charts identify the critical seismic load event that is sufficient to bring the slope to a state of limit equilibrium, but they do not specify the probability of this event. In this paper, the probabilistic seismic stability of slopes, modeled using a two-dimensional spatially random [Formula: see text] soil, is examined for the first time using the random finite element method (RFEM). Slope stability design aids for seismic loading, which consider spatial variability of the soil, are provided to allow informed geotechnical seismic design decisions in the face of geotechnical uncertainties. The paper also provides estimates of the probability of slope failure without requiring computer simulations. How the design aids may be used is demonstrated with an example of slope remediation cost analysis and risk-based design.

scholarly journals The Hydromechanical Interplay in the Simplified Three-Dimensional Limit Equilibrium Analyses of Unsaturated Slope Stability

Geosciences ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Sitarenios ◽  
Francesca Casini
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Solution ◽  
Slope Stability ◽  
Slope Failure ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Pore Water Pressure ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Water Pressure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Stability Limit ◽  
Smooth Transition

This paper presents a three-dimensional slope stability limit equilibrium solution for translational planar failure modes. The proposed solution uses Bishop’s average skeleton stress combined with the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion to describe soil strength evolution under unsaturated conditions while its formulation ensures a natural and smooth transition from the unsaturated to the saturated regime and vice versa. The proposed analytical solution is evaluated by comparing its predictions with the results of the Ruedlingen slope failure experiment. The comparison suggests that, despite its relative simplicity, the analytical solution can capture the experimentally observed behaviour well and highlights the importance of considering lateral resistance together with a realistic interplay between mechanical parameters (cohesion) and hydraulic (pore water pressure) conditions.

scholarly journals Optimal profile for concave slopes under static and seismic conditions

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 1522-1532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farshid Vahedifard ◽  
Shahriar Shahrokhabadi ◽  
Dov Leshchinsky
Keyword(s):  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Stable Configuration ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Construction Technology ◽  
Stability Of Slopes ◽  
Optimal Profile ◽  
Stabilized Soil ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Comparison Of The Results ◽  
The Impact

This study presents a methodology to determine the stability and optimal profile for slopes with concave cross section under static and seismic conditions. Concave profiles are observed in some natural slopes suggesting that such geometry is a more stable configuration. In this study, the profile of a concave slope was idealized by a circular arc defined by a single variable, the mid-chord offset (MCO). The proposed concave profile formulation was incorporated into a limit equilibrium–based log spiral slope stability method. Stability charts are presented to show the stability number, MCO, and mode of failure for homogeneous slopes corresponding to the most stable configuration under static and pseudostatic conditions. It is shown that concave profiles can significantly improve the stability of slopes. Under seismic conditions, the impact of concavity is most pronounced. Good agreement was demonstrated upon comparison of the results from the proposed method against those attended from a rigorous upper bound limit analysis. The proposed methodology, along with recent advances in construction technology, can be employed to use concave profiles in trenches, open mine excavations, earth retaining systems, and naturally cemented and stabilized soil slopes. The results presented provide a useful tool for preliminary evaluation for adopting such concave profiles in practice.

Slope Stability Analysis of Elastic Limit Equilibrium Method

2013 ◽  
Vol 275-277 ◽  
pp. 1423-1426
Author(s):  
Lin Kuang ◽  
Ai Zhong Lv ◽  
Yu Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Slope Stability ◽  
Safety Factor ◽  
Slip Surface ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Limit Equilibrium Method ◽  
Slope Stability Analysis ◽  
Sliding Surface ◽  
Tangential Stresses ◽  
Equilibrium Method

Based on finite element analysis software ANSYS, slope stability analysis is carried out by Elastic limiting equilibrium method proposed in this paper. A series of sliding surface of the slope can be assumed firstly, and then stress field along the sliding surface is analyzed as the slope is in elastic state. The normal and tangential stresses along each sliding surface can be obtained, respectively. Then the safety factor for each slip surface can be calculated, the slip surface which the safety factor is smallest is the most dangerous sliding surface. This method is different from the previous limit equilibrium method. For the previous limit equilibrium method, the normal and tangential stresses along the sliding surface are calculated based on many assumptions. While, the limit equilibrium method proposed in this paper has fewer assumptions and clear physical meaning.

Some difficulties associated with the limit equilibrium method of slices

1983 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 661-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. H. Ching ◽  
D. G. Fredlund
Keyword(s):  
Slope Stability ◽  
Factor Of Safety ◽  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Stability Limit ◽  
Limit Equilibrium Method ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Side Force ◽  
Limit Equilibrium Methods ◽  
Equilibrium Method ◽  
The Stability

Several commonly encountered problems associated with the limit equilibrium methods of slices are discussed. These problems are primarily related to the assumptions used to render the inherently indeterminate analysis determinate. When these problems occur in the stability computations, unreasonable solutions are often obtained. It appears that problems occur mainly in situations where the assumption to render the analysis determinate seriously departs from realistic soil conditions. These problems should not, in general, discourage the use of the method of slices. Example problems are presented to illustrate these difficulties and suggestions are proposed to resolve these problems. Keywords: slope stability, limit equilibrium, method of slices, factor of safety, side force function.

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