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Engineering Implications of the Relation between Static and Pseudo-Static Slope Stability Analysis Robert Shukha Graduate student at Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Associate Professor, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Professor. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1Corresponding Author |
Abstract
The results discussed in the present work are based on the observation that every pseudo-static slope stability problem can be transformed into an equivalent static problem with modified geometry and unit weight. This basic equivalency relation is not new, and it is mentioned, in passing, in several text books. However, the implications of this equivalency have not been previously investigated. The equivalency between pseudo static and static problems allows for a straightforward transfer of experience and results from the relatively mature static framework into the less developed pseudo static context. The main new results implied by this transformation include a general analytical solution for cohesionless materials; a criterion for prevention of tension crack during an earthquake event; and a limiting solution for cases resulting in deep critical slip surfaces. It is shown that the conventional pseudo-static format yields extremely conservative results for conditions resulting with deep critical slip surfaces. A conceptual framework for reducing this excessive conservatism is presented and discussed. The analysis brings to light previously unnoticed discrepancy between the states of practice in the analysis of waterfront structures and submerged slopes. It is verified that under certain set of reasonable assumptions the equivalency between static and pseudo-static problems implies that earthquakes induce outward water flow in submerged slopes, and this effect is associated with very significant reduction in minimal safety factors.
Keywords: Slope stability, Limiting equilibrium, Pseudo static problems.