On stability of slopes in clays with linearly increasing strength

Abstract

The study deals with the analysis, using the circular arc failure mechanism, of the stability of slopes in normally consolidated clays whose strengths are finite at the top and vary linearly with depth. The results are presented in terms of a dimensionless stability number that is dependent on the slope inclination and cohesion ratio. Stability charts are presented for several values of cohesion ratio and slope inclination and will provide the first-order design solution(s) in preparation for more complex numerical analyses. The reappraisal of a case history based on the study results yields reasonable agreement with a previous study. An illustrative procedure for the design of cuttings in normally consolidated clays is provided. Key words: circular failure surface, design example, normally consolidated clays, slope stability.