Stability Analysis of a Two-Layered Slope with Cracks by Finite Element Limit Analysis

Abstract

In this study, to support slope stability estimating engineering, the stability of a slope with cracks lying on two-layered slopes was investigated by a self-developed adaptive element limit analysis (AFELA) code. Upper bound (UB) and lower bound (LB) results of soil additional gravity factor SF within 4% relative error were obtained to quantify the effects of several factors, including the Moore‒Cullen strength ratio, angle of the slope, thickness of the top layer, length of the crack, angle of the crack, and crack’s distance from the edge. Typical failure patterns were also discussed for deeper insight into the two-layered slope stability with cracks. In addition, the results of the AFELA code were compared with the actual situation of the slope and existing commercial calculation software to verify the reliability of this investigation.