embankments stability analysis based on limit equilibrium and finite element methods

 

in the assessment of slopes, factor of safety values still remain the primary indexes for determining how close or far slopes are from failure. traditional limit-equilibrium techniques are the most commonly-used analysis methods. recently, however, the significant computing and memory resources typically available to the geotechnical engineer, combined with low costs, have made the finite element method (fem) a powerful, viable alternative. the shear strength reduction (ssr) technique enables the fem to calculate factors of safety for slopes. the method enjoys several advantages including the ability to predict stresses and deformations of support elements, such as piles, anchors and geotextiles, at failure. despite the ssr finite element technique’s many benefits, it has not received widespread adoption among geotechnical engineers for routine slope stability analysis. this could be probably due to the very limited experience engineers have had with the tool for slope stability analysis, and limited published information on the quality/accuracy of its results.