A three-dimensional slope stability problem in clay

Abstract

A three-dimensional slope stability problem involving a spherical failure surface in clay is often used in the literature as a benchmark example against which numerical models are validated. The factor of safety, which is used as a reference value, has been found to be inaccurate. This technical note shows how to obtain the correct value for the factor of safety and compares the result with those given by some numerical models used in practice.Key words: three-dimensional slope stability analysis, clay, undrained shear strength, factor of safety, spherical failure surface, comparisons.