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Detailed surface topography is important when analyzing the stability of slopes. Recent advances in new technologies such as interferometric synthetic aperture radar and light detection and ranging have allowed us to obtain high-precision profiles of distant landscapes and objects including detailed slope information for three-dimensional (3D) slope stability analysis. However, techniques of reconstructing 3D numerical models from scanned data of slope geometry have not been well investigated or tested. This paper proposes a comprehensive approach that integrates laser scanning and finite element method for slope stability analysis, particularly failure prediction under precipitation scenarios. The methodology is applied to a slope in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken mountainous region that failed in 2013, triggered by severe rainfall. The modelling results show that the surface sampling resolution can affect the prediction accuracy of the potential failure zones. When constructing the slope model, the selected surface grid should be fine enough to capture the important topographic features of the slope while minimizing computation demand. This paper confirms that the proposed method can be successfully used to identify the potential failure zones of the investigated slope under severe rainfall conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A slope stability analysis method using the finite element method and the limit equilibrium principle is presented in this paper to determine the critical slip surface and to calculate the minimum safety factor based on the stress field produced by a numerical simulation. This method assumes a cutting export and makes good use of geometric combination to reduce the search range during the calculation process. The proposed method was validated using two classical benchmark slopes and an engineering slope; it was also compared with other conventional limit equilibrium methods. The error between the proposed method and the limit equilibrium method was relatively small. The proposed method resolved several limitations of the traditional methods, and a comparison of the benchmark slopes showed that the proposed method exhibited good accuracy and efficiency. The proposed method can thus analyse both the stability of a natural slope and the stability of a soil slope under seismic loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer modelling and stability analyses of the New Orleans I-walls with and without the consideration of gap formation has drawn significant attention of the engineering community during the post Katrina period. In addition, when the sheet pile penetrates into sand layer, seepage becomes an integral part of the stability analysis. Basic guidelines have been developed for the analysis of this problem by other researchers and documented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). However, the inherent complexity of the problem and uncertainties associated with the choice of analysis methods warrant for further investigation of this problem in detail so that more useful insights can be gained. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of this complex coupled problem of seepage and stability of a typical New Orleans I-wall is presented using different limit equilibrium methods of slope stability analysis. Useful comparisons are made between the analyses results and methodologies. The authors believe that the findings of this study will enhance the understanding of the behaviour of the I-wall sheet pile system subjected to seepage forces, when different limit equilibrium methods of analyses are invoked. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper provides an investigation of moisture migration patterns in the vicinity of mature trees and soil slope stability. A numerical model is presented for unsaturated moisture flow incorporating a sink term to represent water uptake by a tree. The resulting variation in soil moisture content (or suction) is then included within an extended slope stability analysis that employs a method of estimating shear strength as a function of suction in addition to net mean stress. The moisture transfer equation is solved via application of a finite element method. The resulting water uptake predictions have been validated previously and were shown to be in reasonable agreement with field measured data. The current work provides an assessment of the importance of this aspect of the problem on slope stability. Results show that seasonal soil suctions generated by a tree can influence the facture of safety against soil slope failure in the order of 8%. The research provides a further contribution to the overall assessment of slope stability. It may be included in routine calculations where maintenance of rail/road embankments may involve alteration (or removal) of vegetation. It may also be applied to vegetated natural slopes subject to deforestation or development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]