Finite Element Modeling for Stability Assessment of Sedimentary Rock Slopes

Abstract

To prevent landslides, the slope is a crucial component that needs to be evaluated. Mining activities produce slopes, both natural slopes and artificial slopes, and if a slope is not designed properly, its stability will be adversely affected. The purpose of this study is to determine the stability of a slope supported by sedimentary rocks as the constituent material of the slope. Data processing is carried out using the RS2 Version 11 software and finite element methods (FEMs) by considering the value of the strength reduction factor (SRF) and maximum displacement of the slope. The results obtained for stage 1 show that a maximum displacement of 0 m was obtained, along with a critical value of SRF = 1. A maximum displacement of 0.2 m was obtained in stage 2, with a critical SRF of 1.25. In stage 3, 0.2 m was the highest attained displacement, and the critical SRF was 1.26. A maximum displacement of 0.4 m and a critical SRF of 1.31 were found in stage 4. The maximum displacement in stage 5 was 0.8 m, while the critical SRF was 1.34, and the critical SRF in stage 6 was 1.35, while the maximum displacement was 0.8 m. Finally, the maximum displacement in stage 7 was 1.6 m, while the critical SRF was 1.36. A general pattern emerged from the results of stages 1 through 7. Specifically, the maximum permitted displacement value increased with the critical value of SRF. As the slope moved, it also became more stable, with a big critical SRF. If a slope’s deformation exceeds 1.6 m, it will collapse at a safety factor of 1.36. Furthermore, the contour level showed that the factor of safety (FoS) falls between 1.4 and 4.2. Additionally, as sigma 1 and 3 increase, the resulting FoS value increases as well.

Keywords

• finite element method
• maximum displacement
• factor of safety
• natural slope
• artificial slope