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Landslides are frequent and devastating geological hazards that cause significant economic and human losses annually. The selection of appropriate shear strength parameters is crucial for evaluating and preventing landslide failure. Considering the nonlinear characteristics of rock-mass material, a rock slope stability analysis model was built using the nonlinear Hoek‒Brown failure criterion. A Geological Strength Index–material constant (GSI–mi) curve, based on a deterministic method, was proposed to back analyzed the Geological Strength Index (GSI), which is consistent with a trial-and-error method, but simpler to implement. The back analysis can be extended to other parameters in addition to the GSI. Furthermore, considering the randomness and uncertainty, a reliability-based back analysis method for nonlinear strength parameters of the sliding surface was proposed. The optimal parameter combination that corresponded to the minimum reliability index was determined, which could serve as reasonable values of the nonlinear strength parameters for landslides. A comparison of different failure criteria also suggested that the stress level at the sliding surface should be accounted for in landslides using the significant nonlinear characteristics of strength parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shear strength parameters of a sliding surface are important parameters for the stability evaluation and engineering design of a landslide. To consider the randomness, uncertainty and the nonlinear characteristics of the geotechnical, the reliability back analysis method of determining shear strength parameters of a landslide based on nonlinear Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria is proposed in this study. By analyzing a slope with linear failure surface, the feasibility and validity of the proposed method are discussed in an engineering case. The proposed method provides a new choice and reference for the determination of the shear strength parameters of the sliding surface of a landslide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Schmidt Hammer and photogrammetry are adopted for the initial values determination. • The stability of 3D wedge slope with Barton-Bandis failure criterion was analyzed. • Proposed a reliability back analysis method for nonlinear strength parameters estimate. Due to the development of joints, wedge failure has become the main failure type of rock slopes. Obtaining accurate parameters is an important prerequisite in studying slope stability. However, these are difficult to obtain due to the restrictions of field conditions. Based on a real and simple wedge, the method of stability analysis and parameter acquisition of a wedge with the nonlinear Barton-Bandis failure criterion is discussed, and then this method is extended to the conventional form of a wedge. With minimal available data, a simple field test and the reliability back analysis method are combined to propose a specific method for determining the most likely combination of nonlinear strength parameters when wedge failure occurs. This approach can provide a simple and practical method for determining the nonlinear strength parameters for engineering applications. Thus, the small frequent collapse incidences in jointed rock slopes can be effectively utilized to provide a reference for the prevention and control of large-scale failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]