Slope Sensitivity Analysis Using Spencer's Method in Comparison with General Limit Equilibrium Method

Abstract

This paper analyses the sensitivity analysis of a natural-unreinforced slope in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. In order to conduct a sensitivity analysis, several ranges of data, based on borehole information and figures and also typical range of earth materials geotechnical values are used to set the minimum and maximum value of parameters in Slide 6.0 software. Under Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, Spencer's and General Limit Equilibrium methods of slices were used in the analysis to determine the influence of varying parameters values towards the change in safety factor. In addition, the percentage differences in safety factors obtained by both methods based on General Limit Equilibrium method are also determined in the analysis. In the analysis, water table location has the highest influence to the change in safety factors of the slope. Besides, the percentage differences in safety factors obtained by both methods are very nominal and showed a good agreement to each other.