Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Report · 1978 · 17 citations · 0 references
EngineeringCivil EngineeringFoundation EngineeringGeotechnical EngineeringSlope StabilityFoundation Failure ModesFoundation StabilityShear StrengthShear Strength Of SoilsSlope Failure MechanismsStability AssessmentEmbankment DesignFactor Of Safety AnalysisFactor Of Safety EvaluationSlope Failure AnalysisSlope Stability ChartsSlope Stability DesignThree-dimensional Slope StabilityThree-dimensional Stability Analysis
This report investigates the three-dimensional stability of slopes. The classical circular are method of analysis is extended to three-dimensional problems by considering failures with finite lengths along shear surfaces of revolution. A computer program (STAB3D) is developed to evaluate the three-dimensional factor of safety of slopes. Results of analyses are presented in the form of charts which illustrate the importance of different factors on stability and can be used for the design of slopes with a uniform cross section. Four case studies of embankments rapidly loaded to failure on saturated clay foundations are thoroughly analyzed. A new correction factor for field vane shear strength data is obtained from the above four case studies and from fourteen additional embankment failures. This correction factor includes three-dimensional effects and is about 10% lower than that currently used in practice.