Stability Coefficients Charts for Two Layered Earth Slopes Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

Study the stability of slopes is of great importance for the geotechnical engineers. Stability analysis is required for engineering projects, such as natural stabilized slopes, embankments and cuts in road and excavation in soil. There are many methods used to analyze the slope stability problem. Limit equilibrium is most conventional method, which is used to analyze slope stability, which depends essentially on assuming a failure surface. In this research, the finite element method is used to analyze slope stability problems. A finite element program is used to analyze the soil slope stability according to the theory of elasto-plastic failure of visco-plastic method. Mohr-Coulomb theory is used to represent the surface failure. The study concentrates on computing the factor of safety for stability at different values of cohesion (C) and angle of internal friction (φ) of the soil. Comparison between the computer results with the traditional slip circle solution gave good agreements.