Comparative slope analysis by methods of slices and finite element analysis

• Main Author: Chong, Woei Cheng.
• Other Authors: Low Bak Kong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Civil engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53898
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

As early as 1930, slope stability had been analyzed by limit equilibrium methods (LEM). Several methods with different assumptions of LEM such as Bishop’s Simplified Method and Spencer’s Method are widely used in practice now. Simplicity in calculation is the advantage of LEM method. The disadvantages of LEM are that soil behavior is not taken into consideration and the precision of complicated case could be a concern to us. With the advancement of technology, slope stability can be analyzed by finite element method (FEM). It can be used in those complex cases that are difficult to analyze using LEM. It can simulate slope with a very high realism and thus overcoming the weakness of LEM. In this project, slope stability of two cases would be analyzed first by using computer programs such as Slide 6.0, Phase2 8.0 and Plaxis 2D. This is followed by the discussion of slope stabilization techniques during slope design or after landslide. A case of slope failure that occurred in the past will also be reviewed. In the slope stability analysis, comparison between different LEM would be made. Selected LEM would also be compared with FEM. It has been observed that the calculation of safety factors do not mark any significant difference between these two methods.