Stability charts for convex slope with turning arc.

Many highway slopes are often convex, with a turning arc, especially in mountainous areas. Due to the geometric effects, three-dimensional (3D) stability analyses are necessary and meaningful for convex slopes. This study aims to investigate the influences of geometric parameters on the 3D stability and most critical slip surface for convex slopes with a turning arc. A 3D limit equilibrium method is proposed using a variationally derived 3D rotational failure mechanism. As the turning angle increases or the radius of curvature reduces, the stability of convex slopes increases due to the significant 3D effects. The 3D solutions gradually degenerate to the 2D solutions once the turning angle approaches 0 or the radius of curvature tends to be infinite. Although the 3D effects make convex slopes more stable, the obtained 3D slip surface is deeper than the 2D surface. The calculated results are given in the dimensionless form of stability charts over a wide range of parameters. These charts are allowable for a quick assessment for 3D convex slopes with a turning arc in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]