State of the Art: Limit Equilibrium and Finite-Element Analysis of Slopes

TLDR

Over the past 25 years, advances in microcomputers and the finite‑element method have enabled more thorough and accurate static stability and deformation analyses of slopes, but engineers still require deep soil‑mechanics knowledge to interpret results correctly. The finite‑element method has been applied to a wide range of dams, embankments, and slopes to model their behavior. Experience shows that while the finite‑element method offers valuable insights for practical engineering, it also has specific advantages and limitations that must be understood.

Abstract

In the past 25 years great strides have been made in the area of static stability and deformation analysis. The widespread availability of microcomputers has brought about considerable change in the computational aspects of slope stability analysis. Analyses can be done much more thoroughly, and, from the point of view of mechanics, more accurately than was possible without computers. Still, engineers performing slope stability analyses must have more than a computer program. They must have a thorough mastery of soil mechanics and soil strength, a solid understanding of the computer programs they use, and the ability and patience to test and judge the results of their analyses to avoid mistakes and misuse. Realistic analyses of deformations of slopes and embankments were not possible until about 25 years ago. They are possible now mainly because the finite-element method has been developed and adapted to these applications. The principal requirement for achieving reasonably accurate and useful results from these analyses is suitable representation of the stress-strain behavior of the soils involved. In the past 25 years the finite-element method has been used to analyze a large number of dams, as well as other embankments and slopes. The experience gained over this period of time provides a number of valuable lessons concerning the advantages and limitations of the finite-element method for use in practical engineering problems.