GE-09 evaluation of slope stability factor of safety

• Main Author: Goh, Tian Ying.
• Other Authors: Goh Teck Chee, Anthony
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/52614
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Factor of safety is defined as the ratio of total resisting forces to total driving forces along a critical slip surface. Traditionally, geotechnical engineers often use conventional limit equilibrium methods such as Bishop Simplified, Spencer, Morgenstern and Price, Janbu to find out the factor of safety for slope stability problems. With advances in computer technology, better numerical programs like finite element analysis (FEA) have been introduced and can be used to analyse many complex cases that are not possible with the traditional method. This project explores the use of the finite element programme PLAXIS to determine the factor of safety and also to examine how factor of safety varies in different case studies with different soil profile. The PLAXIS finite element software was used to carry out analysis of slope stability in soil. There are 4 cases for homogenous slopes and 5 cases for multi-layered soil to be compared. In general, the factor of safety computed by the finite element method is consistent with other methods. FEA is popular among other fields of engineering for over many years and now it has begun to be widely used for analyzing geotechnical problems. More recognition has been given to this method of analyzing slope since it provides comprehensive details of the stress-strain behaviour of soil. There are advantages and disadvantages for finite element method and limit equilibrium method. However, good engineering practices are still needed when slope stability is being analysed.