Abstract
The core of strength reduction method (SRM) involves finding a critical strength curve that happens to make the slope globally fail and a definition of factor of safety (FOS). A new double reduction method, including a detailed calculation procedure and a definition of FOS for slope stability was developed based on the understanding of SRM. When constructing the new definition of FOS, efforts were made to make sure that it has concise physical meanings and fully reflects the shear strength of the slope. Two examples, slopes A and B with the slope angles of 63° and 34° respectively, were given to verify the method presented. It is found that, for these two slopes, the FOSs from original strength reduction method are respectively 1.5% and 38% higher than those from double reduction method. It is also found that the double reduction method predicts a deeper potential slide line and a larger slide mass. These results show that on one hand, the double reduction method is comparative to the traditional methods and is reasonable, and on the other hand, the original strength reduction method may overestimate the safety of a slope. The method presented is advised to be considered as an additional option in the practical slope stability evaluations although more useful experience is required.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
ZIENKIEWICZ, O CHUMPHESON, CLEWIS R W. Associated and non-associated visco-plasticity and plasticity in soil mechanics [J]. Geotechnique, 1975, 25(4): 671–689.
MATSUL T, SAN K C. Finite element slope stability analysis by shear strength reduction technique [J]. Solid and Foundations, 1992, 32(1): 59–70.
DUNCAN J M. State of the art: Limit equilibrium and finite element analysis of slopes [J]. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering (ASCE), 1996, 122(7): 577–596.
GRIFFITHS D V, LANE P A. Slope stability analysis by finite elements [J]. Géotechnique, 1999, 49(3): 387–403.
ZHENG H, LIU D F, LI C G. Slope stability analysis based on elasto-plastic finite element method [J]. Int J Numer Meth Engng, 2005, 64: 1871–1888.
TANG Fen, ZHENG Ying-ren, ZHAO Shang-yi. Discussion on two safety factors for progress failure of soil slope [J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2007, 26(7): 1402–1407. (in Chinese)
YUAN Wei, BAI Bing, LI Xiao-chun, WANG Hai-bin. A strength reduction method based on double reduction parameters and its application [J]. J Cent South Univ Technol, 2013, 20(9): 2555–2562.
SUO Yao-hong. Double reduction factors approach to the stability of side slopes [J]. Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2010, 106(1): 31–39.
ONO K. On the load of materials [J]. JSME, 1912, 16(29): 37–48.
OKUBO S, FUKUI K, NISHIMATSU Y. Local safety factor applicable to wide range of failure criteria [J]. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 1997, 30(4): 223–227.
KOURDEY A, AIHEIB M, PIGUET J P. Evaluation of slope stability by numerical methods [C]// 17th International Mining Congress and Exhibition of Turkey. Ankara, 2001: 705–710.
TAMOTSU M, KA-CHING S. A hybrid slope stability analysis method with its application to reinforced slope cutting [J]. Soils and Foundations, 1990, 30(2): 79–88.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Foundation item: Project(11102218) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bai, B., Yuan, W. & Li, Xc. A new double reduction method for slope stability analysis. J. Cent. South Univ. 21, 1158–1164 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-014-2049-6
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-014-2049-6