Seismic analysis of slope considering log-spiral failure surface with numerical validation

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the solution of c-φ soil slope stability problem using the pseudo-dynamic method assuming the log-spiral failure mechanism. The vertical slice analysis methodology is introduced to analyze the stability of the slope under vertical and horizontal seismic loads. The adopted pseudo-dynamic method in the present analysis considers the effect of phase difference and primary and shear wave velocity which travel through the soil medium during an earthquake. Considering the limit equilibrium method, the moment equilibrium condition for each slice was established and a factor of safety of the slope is evaluated. Results are presented in a tabular and graphical form to understand the effect of different parameters of slope soil. Comparisons of the present analysis are highlighted with the existing solutions. A numerical solution is also done by PLAXIS 2D to compare the present study under earthquake loading conditions.

Keywords

• Limit equilibrium approach
• Pseudo-dynamic analysis
• c-φ soil
• Vertical slice
• Log-spiral failure surface
• Numerical analysis