Ch10 Slope Stability 2

Soil Mechanics Assist. Prof. Dr. Rafi' M. S.
CHAPTER 10
Slope Stability
10.1 INTRODUCTION
Slope stability analyses investigate the equilibrium of a mass of soil bounded
below by an assumed slip surface and above by the surface of the slope as shown in
Fig.(10.1). Forces and moments tending to cause instability of the mass are compared
to those tending to resist instability. Successive assumptions are made regarding the
slip surface until the most critical surface (lowest factor of safety) is found. If the
shear resistance of the soil along the slip surface exceeds that necessary to provide
equilibrium, the mass is stable. Otherwise, it is unstable.
In general, slope stability is a two-dimensional 2D problem and can be analyzed
under plane strain conditions. Stability or instability of the soil mass depends on
several factors such as; its weight, the external forces acting on it (such as surcharges
or accelerations caused by dynamic loads), the shear strengths and pore water
pressures along the slip surface and the strength of any internal reinforcement
crossing the slip surfaces.
Fig.(10.1): Slope and potential slip surface.
1
10.2 SHAPE OF SLIP SURFACE

(1) Circular: this type of slip surface is almost useful for starting an analysis.
It is generally sufficient for analyzing relatively homogeneous
embankments or slopes and embankments on foundations with relatively
thick soil layers, (see Fig. 10.2a). So it is used in Ordinary Method of
Slices and Simplified Bishop Method.
(2) Wedge: this type of slip surface is appropriate for slopes where the critical
slip surface passes through a weak soil bounded by stronger soil, (see Fig.
10.2b).
(3) General Noncircular Shape: the term "general" refers to a slip surface
composed of number of linear segments which may each be of any length
and inclined at any angle, whereas, the term "noncircular" refers to such
general-shaped slip surfaces, (see Fig. 10.2c). Stability analyses based on
general slip surfaces are more common and useful for design check of
critical slip surfaces of traditional shapes (circular, wedge) or complicated
geometry and anisotropic soil shear strengths.
Fig.(10.2): Shapes of potential slip surfaces.
2
10.3 LOCATION OF CRITICAL SLIP SURFACE

(a) Circular Slip Surfaces
Search schemes for circular arc slip surfaces are illustrated in Fig. (10.3). A
circular surface is defined by the position of the circle center and either: (i) the
radius, or (ii) a point through which the circle must pass (toe failure), or (iii) a
plane to which the slip surface must be tangent. Searches are usually
accomplished by trial and error until a minimum factor of safety is found. For
example, the location of the center point may be varied while the plane of
tangency is fixed, or the radius may be varied while the center point is fixed. The
first search variable is then fixed at a new value and the second variable is again
varied. This process is repeated until the minimum factor of safety
corresponding to both search variables is found.
Fig.(10.3a): Search with constant radius. Fig.(10.3b): Search with circles through
a common point.
Fig.(10.3c): Search with circles tangent to a prescribed tangent line.
3
(b) Wedge-Shaped Slip Surfaces
This type of slip surfaces requires searching for the critical location of the
central block and the critical inclination of the bases of active and passive
wedges. Searching for the critical location of the central block is illustrated in
Fig.(10.4a) and involves systematically varying of horizontal and vertical
coordinates of the two ends of the base of the central block until the central block
corresponding to the minimum factor of safety is found. The search schemes for
the critical inclination of the bases of wedges are shown in Fig.(10.4b). One
technique used, where soil properties and inclinations of the base of each wedge
vary in the zone of active and passive wedges, is to assume that the bottoms of
the wedges are inclined at = 'D/2. The value of is then varied until the
maximum interslice force is found for the active wedge and minimum interslice
force is found for the passive wedge. Another search technique used, where the
bases of active and passive wedges are considered to be single planes, is to vary
the value of until a maximum interslice force is obtained for the entire group
of active wedge segments and the minimum is found for the entire group of
passive wedge segments.
Fig.(10.4): Search schemes for wedge-shaped slip surfaces.
4
(c) General Shapes
In this method, an initial slip surface is assumed and represented by a series

of points that are connected by straight lines as illustrated in Fig.(10.5). The
factor of safety is first calculated for the assumed slip surface. Next, all points
except one are held fixed, and the "floating" point is shifted a small distance in
horizontal or vertical direction. The factor of safety is recalculated for the slip
surface with each point shifted as described. This process is repeated for each
point on the slip surface. As any point is shifted, all other points are left at their
original location. Once all points have been shifted in both directions and the
factor of safety is computed for each shift, a new location is estimated for the slip
surface based on the computed factors of safety. The slip surface is then moved to
the estimated location and the process of shifting points is repeated. This process
is continued until no further reduction in factor of safety is noted.
Fig.(10.5): Search scheme for noncircular slip surfaces

(after Celistono and Duncan 1981).
10.4 LIMIT EQUILIBRIUM METHODS

In these methods, the factor of safety is calculated using one or more of the
static equilibrium equations applied to the soil mass bounded by an assumed potential
slip surface and the surface of the slope. In some methods, such as Infinite Slope
Method, the shear and normal stresses ( and ) are calculated directly from static
equilibrium equations and then used to compute the factor of safety. Whereas in other
methods; as Simplified Bishop, Corps of Engineers, Modified Swedish Method and
Spencers Method, the factor of safety is computed by repeatedly assuming values for
F and calculating the corresponding shear stress until equilibrium is achieved.
5
For effective stresses, the factor of safety is expressed as:

c + ( ).tan
F= .......(10.1)

where, c' and ' = effective shear strength parameters, = total normal stress
on the failure plane, u = pore water pressure; and ( u) is the effective normal
stress on the failure plane.
or
().tan
= + = + tan ...(10.2)

where, cD = developed cohesion and 'D = developed friction angle.
The unknowns and equations used in limit equilibrium methods are summarized
in Table (10.1), whereas, their limitations are listed in Table (10.2).
Table (10.1): Unknowns and Equations for Limit Equilibrium Methods.
Unknowns Number of Unknowns for n Slices

Factor of safety (F) 1
Normal forces on bottom of slices (N) N
Interslice normal forces, En1
Interslice shear forces, Xn1
Location of normal forces on base of slice N
Location of interslice normal forces n-1
TOTAL NUMBER OF UNKNOWNS 5n 2
Equations Number of Equations for n Slices

Equilibrium of forces in the horizontal direction, Fx = 0 n
Equilibrium of forces in the vertical direction, Fy = 0 n
Equilibrium of moments n
TOTAL NUMBER OF EQUILIBRIUM EQUATIONS 3n
Table (10.2): Limitations of Limit Equilibrium Methods.

1. The factor of safety is assumed to be constant along the potential slip surface.
2. Stress-strain characteristics are not explicitly accounted for.
3. The initial stress distribution within the slope is not explicitly accounted for.
4. Unreasonably large and or negative normal forces may be calculated along the
base of slices under certain conditions.
5. Iterative, trial and error, solutions may not converge in certain cases.
10.4.1 Ordinary Method of Slices (OMS) or "Fellenius Method"

(a) Assumptions: In this method, the forces on the sides of the slice are
neglected (balance each other), see Fig.(10.6). The normal force on the base of the
slice is calculated by summing forces in a direction perpendicular to the base of the
slice. Once the normal force is calculated, moments are summed about the center of
the circle to compute the factor of safety.
6
a. Slope and typical slice (without external water loads on a slope).
b. Slice for total stress analysis c. Slice for effective stress analysis
d - Slope and typical slice (with external water loads on a slope).
Fig.(10.6): Typical slice and forces for Ordinary Method of Slices.
where, P = resultant water force acting perpendicular to the top of the slice,
= inclination of the top of the slice,
Mp = moment about the circle center due to the water force acting on top of
the slice,
R = radius of the circle.
7
For the slice and forces shown in Fig.(10.6), the factor of safety is computed as:
Factor of safety for slope (without external water loads):
(i) Total Stress Analysis:
[ + ]
= ...(10.3)

(ii) Effective Stress Analysis:
[ + ( ) ]
= ......(10.4)

Factor of safety for slope (with external water loads on a slope):
{ + [ + ( ) 2 ] }
= ..........(10.5)

where,
c' and = shear strength parameters for the center of the base of the slice,
W = weight of slice; calculated as in the following manner:
W = (1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 ) b W = 0.5*(b ). Triangular slice
x
= Inclination of the base of the slice; measured or calculated as: sin1 (R)
u = Pore water pressure at the center of the base of the slice, and
l = Length of the bottom of the slice = b sec .
The components of Wcos and Wsin can also be determined graphically for
each slice.
8
The tabular forms for calculating factor of safety by ordinary method of slices
(Fellenius Method) are shown in Fig.(10.7).
a. Total Stress Analysis
tan
W (kN/m)
c (kN/m2)
Trial no.
Slice no.
(deg.)

(kN/m)
(kN/m)
(kN/m)
(kN/m)

h (m)
b (m)
tan
c.l

(1) (2) (3)
[ + ] (1) + (2)
Factor of safety, =
=
(3)
A series of trial failure surfaces must be selected to obtain the minimum safety factor.
b. Effective Stress Analysis
tan
(kN/m)
(kN/m)
( u l )
(kN/m2)
W (kN/m)
. (kN/m)
l (kN/m)
(kN/m2)
Trial no.
Slice no.
(deg.)
(deg.)
( u l )
tan
(m)
(1) (2) (3)
[ + ( ) ] (1) + (2)
Factor of safety, =
=
(3)
Fig.(10.7): Tabular forms for calculating factor of safety by ordinary method of slices
(Fellenius Method).
9
As shown in Table (10.3), there is only one unknown (F) in the Ordinary Method of
Slices, and only one equilibrium equation is used.
Table (10.3): Unknowns and Equations for the Ordinary Method of Slices.

TOTAL NUMBER OF UNKNOWNS 1
Equilibrium of forces moments of the entire soil mass 1

TOTAL NUMBER OF EQUILIBRIUM EQUATIONS 1
(b) Limitations of Ordinary Method of Slices

(1) The forces on the sides of the slice are neglected.
(2) Moment equilibrium is satisfied for the entire soil mass above the slip
surface, but not for individual slices.
(3) Factors of safety calculated by the OMS may differ 520% from values
calculated using rigorous methods. The error is generally on the safe side
(calculated factor of safety is too low). However, the degree to which the
OMS is conservative depends on the value of and whether the pore
pressures are large or small.
(4) The use of OMS (or Fellenius Method) is not now recommended in
practice.
10.4.2 Simplified Bishop Method (1955)

(a) Assumptions: Applicable for analyses problems with circular slip surfaces.
In it, the interslice forces are horizontal as shown in Fig.(10.8). Forces are summed in
the vertical direction. The resulting equilibrium equation is combined with the Mohr-
Coulomb equation and the definition of the factor of safety to determine the forces on
the base of the slice. Finally, moments are summed about the center of the circular
slip surface to obtain the following expressions for safety factor:
(i) Factor of safety for slope (without seepage or external water loads on a slope)
Total Stress Analysis:
+
[ ]

= .........(10.6)

10
(ii) Factor of safety for slope (with seepage or external water loads on a slope)
Effective Stress Analysis:
+(+ )
[ ]

= .......(10.7)

where, all the terms W, c', ', u, P, MP , R are as defined earlier for the OMS and
is defined by:
tan
= + ............(10.8)

Factors of safety calculated from Eqs. (10.6 and 10.7) satisfy equilibrium of forces
in the vertical direction and overall equilibrium of moments about the center of a
circle. Because the value of the term depends on the factor of safety, it appears on
both sides of Eqs. (10.6 and 10.7). Thus, an iterative, trial and error procedure is used
to solve for the factor of safety. The unknowns and equations in the Simplified
Bishop Method are summarized in Table (10.4).
a. Slope and typical slip surface. b. Typical slice.
Fig.(10.8): Typical slice and forces for Simplified Bishop Method.
Table (10.4): Unknowns and Equations for Simplified Bishop Method.

Normal forces on bottom of slices (N) n
TOTAL NUMBER OF UNKNOWNS n+1
Equilibrium of forces in the vertical direction, = 0 n

Equilibrium of moments of the entire soil mass 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF EQUILIBRIUM EQUATIONS n+1
11
(b) Limitations of Simplified Bishop Method

Horizontal equilibrium of forces is not satisfied and therefore, it is not suitable
for pseudo-static earthquake analyses.
(c) Recommendations for Use

(1) It is an acceptable method of calculating factors of safety for circular slip
surfaces.
(2) Safety factors calculated by Simplified Bishop Method compare well with
factors of safety calculated using rigorous methods, usually within 5 %.
(3) The procedure is relatively simple compared to more rigorous solutions,
computer solutions execute rapidly, and hand calculations are not very
time-consuming,
(4) Where major structures are designed using the Simplified Bishop Method,
the final design should be checked using Spencers Method.
(d) Steps of Computing Factor of Safety

(i) Slope without seepage or external water loads -Total Stress Analysis:
Once a trial slip surface has been selected, and the soil mass is subdivided into
slices, the following steps are used to compute a factor of safety:
( 1) Determine the width, b, average height, havg. , and inclination, , of the bottom
of each slice (Columns 2, 3, and 6 in Fig.(10.9c)). The sign convention used
for the inclination is shown in Fig.(10.9b). The inclination is positive when
the base of the slice is inclined in the same direction as the slope.
(2) Calculate the area, A, of each slice, i.e., A = b havg. (Column 4 in
Fig.(10.9c)).
(3) Calculate the weight of each slice, W = A. If the slice crosses zones
having different unit weights, the slice is subdivided vertically into subareas,
and the weights of the subareas are summed to compute the total slice weight
(Column 5 in Fig.(10.9c)).
(4) Compute (W sin ) for each slice and then ( W sin ) for all slices
(5) Enter the shear strength parameters; the cohesion, c and friction angle, for
each slice in (Columns 8 and 9 in Fig.(10.9c)).
(6) Compute the quantity: (c.b + W tan) for each slice (Column 10 in
Fig.(10.9c)).
(7) Assume a trial value for safety factor and compute: = +
tan

. + tan
(8) Compute ( ) for all slices (Column 12 in Fig.(10.9c)).

(9) Compute a new factor of safety from:
12
. + tan
( )

F= ..........(10.9)

This corresponds to dividing summation of Column 12 by summation of
Column 7 in Fig.(10.9c).
(10) Additional trial values are assumed for safety factor and Steps 79 are
repeated (Cols. 13 16 in Fig.(10.9c)). For each trial value assumed safety
factor, the assumed and computed values for the factor of safety are plotted as
shown in Fig.(10.9d) which serves as a guide for selecting additional trial
values. Values are assumed and new values are calculated until the assumed
and calculated values for the factor of safety are essentially the same, i.e.,
until the assumed and calculated values fall close to the broken 45degree
line shown in Fig.(10.9d).
a. Slope and trial slip surface with slices. Left facing slope
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Numerator (Col.10 + Col.11)

Average Height (.)
Horizontal Width (b)
Base Inclination ()
Friction Angle ()
M (Trial F1 )
M (Trial F2 )
M (Trial F3 )
C b + W tan
Cohesion (c)
Weight (W)
Area (A)
W sin
Slice
Right facing slope
1 b. Sign convention for and .

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1 2 3
c. Table used to compute factor of safety. d. Assumed and calculated trial

values for factor of safety.
Fig.(10.9): Simplified Bishop method with no water- total stress analysis.

13
(ii) Slope with seepage or external water loads - Effective Stress Analysis:
(1) Determine the width, b, average height, havg. , and inclination, , of the bottom
of each slice (Columns 2, 3, and 6 in (Fig.10.10c)). The sign convention used
for the inclination is shown in Fig.(10.9b). The inclination is positive when
the base of the slice is inclined in the same direction as the slope
(2) Calculate the area, A, of each slice, i.e., A = b havg. (Column 4 in

(Fig.10.10c)).
(3) Compute the weight of each slice, W = A. If the slice crosses zones
having different unit weights, the slice is subdivided vertically into subareas,
and the weights of the subareas are summed to compute the total slice weight
(Column 5 in (Fig.10.10c)).
(4) Compute (W sin ), for each slice, and then ( W sin ) for all slices
(5) Determine the height, hs , of water above the slice at the midpoint of the top of
the slice (Column 8 in (Fig.10.10c)).
(6) Calculate the average water pressure on the top of the slice; Psurface = .
(7) Determine the inclination of the top of the slice, , (Column 10 in

(Fig.10.10c)). is positive, except when the inclination of the top of the slice
is opposite to the inclination of the slope. Negative values of will exist
when the inclination of the slope is reversed over some distance.
(8) Compute the external water force, P , on the top of the slice by multiplying
the length of the top of the slice times the average surface pressure P surface;
P = Psurface / . (Column 11 in (Fig.10.10c)).
(9) Determine the horizontal and vertical, d h and dv , respectively, between the
center of the circle and the points on the top of each slice (Columns 12 and
13 in (Fig.10.10c)). Positive values for these distances are illustrated in
Fig.(10.10b). Loads acting at points located upslope of the center of the circle
(to the left of the center in the case of the right-facing slope shown in
Fig.(10.10) represent negative values for the distance, dh.
(10) Compute the moment, , the result of external water loads (Columns 14 in
(Fig.10.10c)) from: = cos + sin
The moment is considered positive when it acts opposite to the direction of
the driving moment produced by the weight of the slide mass, i.e., positive
moments tend to make the slope more stable. Positive moments are clockwise
for a right-facing slope like the one shown in Fig.(10.10).
(11) Determine the piezometric height, hp, at the center of the base of each slice
(Column 15 in Fig.(10.10c)). The piezometric height represents the pressure
head for pore water pressures on the base of the slice.
14
(12) Compute the pore water pressure, u = (Column 16 in (Fig.10.10c)). For

complex seepage conditions, it may be more convenient to determine the pore
water pressure directly, rather than evaluating the piezometric head and
converting to pore pressure. In such cases Step 11 is omitted, and the pore
water pressures are entered in Column 16.
(13) Enter the cohesion, , and friction angle, , for each slice in (Columns 17
and 18 in (Fig.10.10c)). The shear strength parameters are those for the soil
at the bottom of the slice; they do not depend on the soils in the upper
portions of the slice.
(14) Compute the quantity:

.b + (W + cos . ) tan for each slice (Column 19 in
(Fig.10.10c)).
(15) Assume a trial value for safety factor F1 and compute the quantity:

= + (Column 11 in (Fig.10.10c)).
1
.b + (W + cos .) tan
(16) Compute: ( ) for all slices (Column 21 in

(Fig.10.10c)).
(17) Compute a new factor of safety from:
.b + (W + cos .) tan
( )

= 1 ..........(10.10)

where, R is the radius of the circle.
The summations computed in Columns 7, 14, and 21 of the table in

(Fig.10.10c) are used to compute the new value for the factor of safety.
(18) Additional trial values are assumed for the factor of safety and steps 14
through 16 are repeated (Columns 22 through 25 in Fig.(10.10c)). For each
trial value, the assumed and calculated values of the factor of safety are
plotted as shown in Fig.(10.10d), to provide a guide for selecting additional
trial values. Values are assumed and new values are calculated until the
assumed and calculated values for the factor of safety are essentially equal,
i.e., until the assumed and calculated values fall close enough to the broken
45degree line shown in Fig.(10.10d).
15
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Slice
2
Horizontal width (b)
3
Average Height (.)
4
Area (A)
5
Weight (W)

Base Inclination ()
7
W sin
Soil Mechanics
8
Height of Surface Water (hs)
9
Avg. Surface Pressure (Psurface)
10
Surface Inclination ()
11
Surface Load (P)
12
Surface Loads
Horizontal Moment Arm (dh)
a. Slope and trial slip surface with slices.
13
MP
Vertical Moment Arm (dv)
16
14
Moment ( )
15
Piezometric Height (hP)

16
Pore Water Pressure (u)

17
Cohesion
c. Table used to compute safety factor.

18
Friction Angle
19
b + (W + P cos ) tan
d. Assumed and calculated trial values of safety factor.

20
1
M (Trial F1 )
21

22
2
M (Trial F2 )
Fig.(10.10): Simplified Bishop method with water- effective stress analysis.

23

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rafi' M. S.
24
b. Surface load and moment arms for slice.
3
M (Trial F3 )
25

10.4.3 Spencers Method

(a) Assumptions: this method assumes that the side forces are parallel, i.e., all
side forces are inclined at the same angle, and the normal forces on the base of the
slice act at its center. The unknowns and equations involved in the method are listed
in Table (10.5).
Spencers method fully satisfies the requirements for both force and moment
equilibrium. The method is originally presented for circular slip surfaces, however, it
can be extended for analyses of noncircular slip surfaces. The method involves an
iterative, trial and error procedure in which values for the factor of safety (F) and side
force inclination () are assumed repeatedly until all conditions of force and moment
equilibrium are satisfied for each slice.
Table (10.5): Unknowns and Equations for Spencer's Method.

Inclination of interslice forces () 1
Resultant interslice forces, Z n1
Location of interslice normal forces n1
TOTAL NUMBER OF UNKNOWNS 3n
Equilibrium of forces in the horizontal direction, = 0 n

Equilibrium of moments n
(b) Limitations: Spencers method requires computer software to perform the

calculations. Because moment and force equilibrium must be satisfied for every slice
and the calculations are repeated for a number of assumed trial factors of safety and
interslice force inclinations, complete and independent hand-checking of a solution
using Spencers method is impractical.
(c) Recommendations for Use: Spencers method should be used where a

statically complete solution is desired, and as a check on final designs where the
slope stability computations were performed by simpler methods.
17
10.4.4 Modified Swedish Method

This method is used extensively by the Corps of Engineers for slip surfaces of
any shape. It is the same as Bishops method regardless of shape of the slip surfaces.
(a) Assumptions: this method only satisfies force equilibrium and not
moment equilibrium. All force equilibrium methods are based on assuming the
inclinations () of the forces between slices (Fig.10.11). The unknowns and equations
involved in the method are summarized in Table (10.6).
a. Slope and typical slip surface. b. Typical slice forces without water.
c. Typical slice forces with water.
Fig.(10.11): Typical slice and forces for Modified Swedish Method.
Table (10.6): Unknowns and Equations for Force Equilibrium Methods.


Resultant interslice forces, Z n1
TOTAL NUMBER OF UNKNOWNS 2n
Equilibrium of forces in the horizontal direction, = 0 n

18
In this method, the interslice forces can be represented by either total or

effective stresses, however, total interslice forces are always used. Therefore,
when the Modified Swedish Method is used to check calculations made using
Spencers Method, it is logical that the interslice forces should be total forces.
To avoid overestimating safety factor, some engineers in practice have

assumed that the interslice forces are horizontal in the Modified Swedish
Method. This assumption is referred to as the Simplified Janbu Method.
However, it may significantly underestimate the value of safety factor.
Therefore, correction factors are sometimes applied to the factor of safety
calculated value by the Simplified Janbu Method.
Lowe and Karafiath (1960) suggested that the interslice forces are inclined at
an angle that is the average inclinations of the ground surface slope and
surface shear at each vertical interslice boundary. With Lowe and Karafiaths
assumption the interslice force inclinations vary from slice to slice and
produces factors of safety that are usually within 10% of those values
calculated by procedures which satisfy complete static equilibrium.
(b) Steps of Computing Factor of Safety
(i) Slope without seepage or external water loads -Total Stress Analysis:
Once a trial slip surface has been selected and the soil mass has been
subdivided into slices, the following steps are used to compute a factor of safety.
Slices are numbered beginning with the uppermost slice and proceeding toward
the toe of the slope.
(1) Determine the width, b, average height, havg., and base inclination, ,
(Columns 2, 3 and 6 in Fig.(10.12b)).
(2) Compute the area of each slice: A = b havg. (Column 4 in Fig.(10.12b)).
(3) Compute the weight, W, of the slice by multiplying the area of the slice by
the total unit weight of soil: W = A (Column 5 in Fig.(10.12b)). If the slice
crosses zones having different unit weights, the slice is subdivided vertically
into subareas, and the weights of the subareas are summed to compute the
total slice weight
19
Values for last slice

represent force imbalance.
b. Table used to compute factor of safety. c. variation of force imbalance with

trial factor of safety.
Fig.(3.12) Modified Swedish Method with no water- total stress analysis.
(4) Determine the length of the bottom of each slice from: l = b/cos (Column
7 in Fig.(10.12b)).
(5) Determine the cohesion value, c, and friction angle, , for the base of each
slice (Columns 8 and 9 in Fig.(10.12b)). The shear strength parameters are
those for the soil at the bottom of the slice; they do not depend on the soils in
the upper portions of the slice.
(6) Determine the inclination, , of the interslice forces. If the computations are
being performed to check an analysis performed using Spencers Method, the
interslice force inclination determined from Spencers Method should be used.
Otherwise, the interslice force inclination should be assumed in accordance
with the guidelines discussed before.
20
(7) Assume a trial factor of safety, F1.

(8) Compute the side force, Zi+1, of each slice, beginning with the first slice from
left of the slope using :
.
[
]
+1 = + () .....(10.11)
() +
(9) If the force computed for the last slice, Zi+1, is not sufficiently close to zero, a
new trial value is assumed for the factor of safety and the process is repeated.
By plotting the force imbalance, Zi+1, for the last slice versus the factor of
safety, the value of the factor of safety that satisfies equilibrium can be found
with acceptable degree of accuracy in about three trials, Fig.(10.12c).
(ii). Slope with seepage or external water loads -Effective Stress Analysis:
(1) For each slice, determine the width, b, average height, havg. , and base
inclination, , (Columns 2, 3, and 6 in Fig.(10.13b)).
(2) Compute the area of each slice: A = b. havg (Column 4 in Fig.(10.13b)).
(3) Compute the weight, W, of the slice: W = . A (Column 5 in Fig.(10.13b)). If
the slice crosses zones having different unit weights, the slice is subdivided
vertically into subareas, and the weights of the subareas are summed to
compute the total slice weight
(4) Determine the piezometric heights at upslope boundary, center and downslope
boundary of each slice (Columns 7, 8, and 9 in Fig.(10.13b)). The piezometric
height at the upslope and downslope boundaries of the slice, hi and hi+1,
respectively, are used to compute the forces from water pressures on the sides
of the slice. Here, a triangular hydrostatic distribution of pressures is assumed
on the sides of the slice. If the distribution of water pressures is more
complex, it may be necessary to compute the water forces differently from
what is shown in Fig.(10.13). Assuming triangular distributions of water
pressures provides sufficient accuracy for most analyses. The piezometric
height at the center of the slice, hp , represents the pressure head for pore
water pressures at the base of the slice (Column 8 in Fig.(10.13b)).
(5) Compute the hydrostatic forces developed from water pressures on the sides
of each slice using the following equations (Columns 10 and 11 in
Fig.(10.13b)):
21
1
= 2 ......(10.12)
2
2 1
+1 = +1 .......(10.13)
2
where, hi and hi+1 are the heights determined in step 4.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Piezometric
Surface Load
Water Down slope Side Force (+ )
Height
Pressure at Top of Slice (.)
Water Upslope Side Force ()
Ht. of Water Above Slice ( )
Length Top of Slice ( )

Slope at Top of Slice ()
Pore Water Pressure (u)

Down slope Side (+ )
Slice Base Length ()

Average Height (.)
Horizontal width (b)
Base Inclination ()
Base Inclination ()
Up slope Side ( )
Surface Load (P)
Friction Angle
+ (Trial F3 )
+ (Trial F1)
+ (Trial F2)
Cohesion
Center (hp)
Weight (W)
Area (A)
Slice
1
2
3
4
5
6
Values for last slice

b. Table used to compute factor of safety. represent force imbalance.
c. Trial F versus side force imbalance.

Fig.(10.13) Modified Swedish Method with water effective stress analysis.
22
(6) Determine the average height of water, hs , above the top of each slice
(Column 12 in Fig.(10.13b)). The height is used to compute the average
water pressure and eventually the total force on the top of the slice (see
Columns 13 and 16 in Fig.(10.13b)). It is best to select the interslice
boundaries so that a boundary is located at the point where the surface of the
water outside the slope meets the slope. If this is done, the water pressures
will vary linearly across each slice, and the average height of water is equal
to the height of water above the midpoint of the slice.
(7) Compute the average water pressure on top of each slice: pavg. = hs
(Column 13 in Fig.(10.13b)).
(8) Determine the inclination of the top of the slice, (Column 14 in
Fig.(10.13b)). This is the same as the inclination of the slope above the slice.
(9) Determine the length of the top of the slice: ltop = b/cos (Column 15 in
Fig.(10.13b)).
(10) Compute the water load on the top of the slice: Ptop = Pavg. . ltop (Col.16 in
Fig.(10.13b)).
(11) Compute the length of the base of the slice, = b/cos (Col.18 in
Fig.(10.13b)).
(12) Compute the pore water pressure by multiplying the piezometric head at the
center of the base of the slice by the unit weight of water: u = (Col.19
in Fig.(10.13b)). For complex seepage conditions, or where a seepage
analysis has been conducted using numerical methods, it is more convenient
to determine the pore water pressure directly, rather than evaluating the
piezometric head and converting to pore pressure. In such cases, the pore
water pressures are entered in Column19.
(13) Determine the cohesion and friction angle for each slice depending on soil at
bottom of the slice (Cols. 20 and 21 in Fig.(10.13b)). The shear strength
parameters, c' and ', are those for soil at bottom of the slice and do not
depend on soils located in the upper portions of the slice.
(14) Determine the inclination, , of the interslice forces. If the computations are
being performed to check an analysis performed using Spencers Method,
the interslice force inclination determined from Spencers Method should be
used. Otherwise, the interslice force inclination should be assumed in
accordance with the guidelines discussed before.
23
(15) Assume a trial value for the factor of safety, and calculate the interslice
forces are, slice by slice, to determine the force imbalance or error of
closure. The steps for this portion of the computations are the same as those
described for analyses with no water pressures, except the following
equation for interslice forces is used:
+1 = +

[ ]+( +1 )[ + ]+[sin() cos()]( tan )

()
() +

...(10.14)
(16) If the force computed for the last slice, Zi+1 , is not sufficiently close to zero,
a new trial value is assumed for the factor of safety and the process is
repeated. By plotting the force imbalance, Zi+1 , for the last slice versus the
factor of safety, the value of the factor of safety that satisfies equilibrium can
usually be found to an acceptable degree of accuracy in about three trials
(Fig.(10.13c)).
10.4.5 Wedge Method

(a) Assumptions: This method assumes that the sliding mass is composed of
three regions as shown in Fig.(10.14): the active wedge, the central block, and the
passive wedge. The inclination of the forces on the vertical boundaries between the
zones is assumed. The wedge method is actually a special case of the force
equilibrium procedure; it fully satisfies equilibrium of forces in the vertical and
horizontal directions and ignores moment equilibrium. The only differences between
the Wedge Method and the Modified Swedish Method are: (1) the assumptions for
the shape of the potential sliding surface, and (2) possibly, the inclinations of the
interslice forces between wedges. In the Wedge Method, the interslice force
inclination assumption is often made the same as for the Modified Swedish Method.
However, the interslice force between the central block and the passive wedge is
sometimes assumed to be horizontal.
24
(b) Limitations: The wedge method has the same limitations as other force
equilibrium procedures.
(c) Recommendations for Use: The wedge method is used to check

Spencers solutions for three-part noncircular shear surfaces. The side force
inclination is taken as the same side force inclination found in Spencers. Also can be
used where existing slopes have been designed using the method and are being
analyzed for new conditions, such as updated pore pressure information, or where
alterations are to be made.
Fig.(10.14): Forces and equilibrium polygons for Wedge Method.
25
10.4.6 The Infinite Slope Method

(a) Assumptions: The Infinite Slope Method assumes that the slope is of
infinite lateral extent and that sliding occurs along a plane surface parallel to the face
of the slope (Fig.(10.15)). For slopes composed of uniform cohesionless soils (c' = 0),
the critical slip surface will be parallel to the outer slope at small depth (z 0). The
Infinite Slope Method is a special case of force equilibrium procedure, with only one
slice. In which, two equations are available (horizontal and vertical force
equilibrium), and two unknowns must be evaluated (the factor of safety and the
normal force on the base of the slice). Thus, the method is statically determinate.
b
+
W W = weight of soil element.

= normal stress at the base.
= shearing stress.
Fig.(10.15): Infinite slope.
(b) Stability Equations of Infinite Slopes
(1) Cohesionless Soils

Dry Cohesionless Soils
For infinite slopes, = +1 . Referring to Fig.(10.15), in terms of total stresses,
the total normal and shear stresses on plane parallel to the slope at a vertical depth, z,
are given by:
= 2 .........(10.15)
and
= ...........(10.16)
The factor of safety for shear strengths in dry cohesionless soil (no pore water
pressure, u = 0 and zero cohesion, c = 0) is given by:

== ..........(10.17)

26
Substituting the expressions for and from Eqs. (10.15 and 10.16) into Eq.(10.17),
gives:

= .............(10.18)
Eq.(10.18) shows that the factor of safety (FOS) for infinite slopes in dry cohesionless
soils is not dependent on: height of the slope, depth to the sliding plane, and the unit
weight of soil. Therefore, the FOS of a submerged cohesionless soil slope will be the
same as that for a dry slope.
Cohesionless Soils with Steady State Seepage:

The factor of safety for shear strengths expressed in terms of effective stresses and
zero cohesion (c' = 0) is given by:
( )
== .........(10.19)

where, u is the pore water pressure at the depth of the shear plane.
Letting ru = u/z and substituting the expressions of and from Eqs. (10.15 and
10.16) into Eq.(10.19) gives:
(2 )
== .................(10.20)

or

= [1 ] ......(10.21)
2
Special Cases with Steady State Seepage:
(i) Horizontal Seepage:
The factor of safety for submerged cohesionless soils (c' = 0) with

horizontal seepage and the free surface of seepage at the ground surface is
expressed as:

For this case as shown in Fig.(10.16a): = = . Substituting this value of

into Eq.(10.21) and simplifying gives:
2
= .............(10.22)

27
(ii) Seepage Parallel to the Slope:
The factor of safety for submerged cohesionless soils (c' = 0) with

seepage parallel to the slope is expressed as:
2
For this case as shown in Fig.(10.16b): = = . Substituting this

value of into Eq.(10.21) and simplifying gives:

= .........(10.23)

Flow lines
Equipotential lines
a. Horizontal seepage.
Flow lines
Equipotential lines
b. Seepage parallel to the slope.
Fig.(10.16): Cohesionless infinite slope with steady state seepage.
28
(2) Cohesive Soils:
Total Stress Analysis for Short Term-Stability (no pore water pressure):
Referring to Fig.(10.17a): = and = . By the definition of
F.O.S.:
+
= ...........(10.24)

sec + tan
= ........(10.25)

= + ...........(10.26)

Depth to the failure surface was arbitrarily selected, therefore, the actual F.O.S. is
given by:

=( + ) ........(10.27)
.
Effective Stress Analysis for Long Term-Stability:

For equilibrium, = and = . By the definition of F.O.S.:
+
= ..........(10.28)

+ ( )
= .....(10.29)

+ ( )
= ......(10.30)

= + (1 2 ) .......(10.31)

w
a. Total stress analysis. b. Effective stress analysis.
Fig.(10.17): Infinite slopes in cohesive soils.
29
10.4.7 Selection of Method

The comparison of limit equilibrium methods features are summarized in
Table (10.7). The table is helpful in selecting a suitable method for analysis (e.g.;
Spencers method is favored for detailed evaluation of final designs. Spencers and
Modified Swedish can be used to analyze noncircular slip surfaces. The Ordinary
Method of Slices, the Simplified Bishop, the Modified Swedish, and the Wedge
method can be used without the aid of a computer and are therefore convenient for
independently checking results obtained using computer programs. Also, when these
latter methods are implemented in software, they execute extremely fast and are
useful where very large numbers of trial slip surfaces are to be analyzed).
Table (10.7): Comparison of Features of Limit Equilibrium Methods.
Ordinary
Simplified Modified Infinite
Feature Method Spencer Wedge
Bishop Swedish Slope
of Slices
Accuracy X X X
Plane slip surfaces parallel to
X
slope face
Circular slip surfaces X X X X
Wedge failure mechanism X X X
Non-circular slip surfaces any
X X
shape
Suitable for hand calculations X X X X X
30
10.5 Taylors Stability Charts
Taylors Chart for Cohesive Soil Layer of Finite Depth and u = 0

Fig.(10.18) shows Taylors chart for cohesive soils under undrained condition
( = 0). For slope of given inclination to determine F.O.S. of a given height, first
from known values of and read the stability number Ns from the chart. Then,
determine the developed cohesion and calculate the factor of safety from the
following equation:

F.S.c = ...................(10.32)

where,
Ns = Stability number = (c / H F),
c = Cohesion of soil,
= Unit weight of soil,
H = Height of slope, and DH
cd = Developed cohesion.
Notes :
1. When < 54o, = (); all failure

circles will be base circles.
2. When > 54o, = (); all failure

circles will be toe circles expected
irrespective of and nH values.
Fig.(10.18): Taylors stability chart for = .

3. For submerged slope:
(a) Under steady seepage condition: Use for calculating Ns.
(b) Under sudden drawdown condition: Use sat for calculating Ns and the

angle of internal friction as :(Given ).
sat
31
Taylors Chart for Infinite c Soil Layer

Taylors chart for infinite c soils is shown in the Fig.(10.19). The chart assumes
circular failure surfaces, soil strength given by the Mohr-Coulomb criterion and ignore
the possibility of tension cracks.
For slope of given height to determine the steepest inclination, first determine
Ns from the chart in Fig.(10.19) and then read the value of for a given . In this case
when > 0 ; Ns = f(, ). Taylor charts require trial and error calculation until
balanced safety factor is found, i.e., Fc = F

= ; and = ................(10.33)

Stability Number (Ns = c / )
Slope Angle (degree)
Fig.(10.19): Taylors chart for infinite c soils

(after Taylor, 1937).
32

Ch10 Slope Stability 2

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Ch10 Slope Stability 2

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Soil Mechanics Assist. Prof. Dr. Rafi' M. S.

Fig.(10.1): Slope and potential slip surface.

10.2 SHAPE OF SLIP SURFACE

Fig.(10.2): Shapes of potential slip surfaces.

10.3 LOCATION OF CRITICAL SLIP SURFACE

Fig.(10.3c): Search with circles tangent to a prescribed tangent line.

(b) Wedge-Shaped Slip Surfaces

Fig.(10.4): Search schemes for wedge-shaped slip surfaces.

(c) General Shapes

In this method, an initial slip surface is assumed and represented by a series

Fig.(10.5): Search scheme for noncircular slip surfaces

10.4 LIMIT EQUILIBRIUM METHODS

For effective stresses, the factor of safety is expressed as:

where, cD = developed cohesion and 'D = developed friction angle.

Table (10.1): Unknowns and Equations for Limit Equilibrium Methods.

Unknowns Number of Unknowns for n Slices

Equations Number of Equations for n Slices

Table (10.2): Limitations of Limit Equilibrium Methods.

10.4.1 Ordinary Method of Slices (OMS) or "Fellenius Method"

a. Slope and typical slice (without external water loads on a slope).

d - Slope and typical slice (with external water loads on a slope).

Fig.(10.6): Typical slice and forces for Ordinary Method of Slices.

Factor of safety for slope (without external water loads):

(i) Total Stress Analysis:

(ii) Effective Stress Analysis:

Factor of safety for slope (with external water loads on a slope):

W = (1 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 ) b W = 0.5*(b ). Triangular slice

a. Total Stress Analysis

b. Effective Stress Analysis

(1) (2) (3)

Factor of safety (F) 1

Equations Number of Equations for n Slices

Equilibrium of forces moments of the entire soil mass 1

(b) Limitations of Ordinary Method of Slices

10.4.2 Simplified Bishop Method (1955)

a. Slope and typical slip surface. b. Typical slice.

Fig.(10.8): Typical slice and forces for Simplified Bishop Method.

Table (10.4): Unknowns and Equations for Simplified Bishop Method.

Unknowns Number of Unknowns for n Slices

Factor of safety (F) 1

TOTAL NUMBER OF UNKNOWNS n+1

Equations Number of Equations for n Slices

Equilibrium of forces in the vertical direction, = 0 n

TOTAL NUMBER OF EQUILIBRIUM EQUATIONS n+1

(b) Limitations of Simplified Bishop Method

(c) Recommendations for Use

(d) Steps of Computing Factor of Safety

Numerator (Col.10 + Col.13)

Numerator (Col.10 + Col.15)

Right facing slope

1 b. Sign convention for and .

c. Table used to compute factor of safety. d. Assumed and calculated trial

Fig.(10.9): Simplified Bishop method with no water- total stress analysis.

(2) Calculate the area, A, of each slice, i.e., A = b havg. (Column 4 in

(7) Determine the inclination of the top of the slice, , (Column 10 in

(12) Compute the pore water pressure, u = (Column 16 in (Fig.10.10c)). For

(14) Compute the quantity:

(17) Compute a new factor of safety from:

where, R is the radius of the circle.

The summations computed in Columns 7, 14, and 21 of the table in

Piezometric Height (hP)

Pore Water Pressure (u)

c. Table used to compute safety factor.

d. Assumed and calculated trial values of safety factor.