Probabilistic stability analysis of earth slopes

Abstract EN

The statistical approach to predict the shear strength of soils is extended to evaluate the factor of safety for earth slopes considering uncertain properties of soil, namely: cohesion and angle of shear resistance.

Based on the probability density functions of both variables, the stability of earth slopes is determined by employing the Swedish method of slices.

The derived density functions for shear strength of soil and the factor of safety of earth slopes are coded by a computer program to compute their corresponding mean and standard deviation.

Using the computer program, a parametric study is carried out to produce a manual for direct use.

An example problem is presented.