Stability Analysis of Slope Based on Strength-reduction Method

The strength reduction FEM is applied to the stability analysis of slope.The basic principle of this method and the definition of safety factor,yield rule and instability criterion are discussed.An example slope is analysised by using the strength reduction FEM.The computed results are compared with the solution of the traditional limit equilibrium method.It shows that safety factors computed by using the criteria respectively based on connectivity of plastic zone and the abruptness of the displacement or deformation at a certain characteristic location are almost identical to the solution of the traditional limit equilibrium method,so the strength reduction FEM can meet the demand of projects.Both criterias based on connectivity of plastic zone and the abruptness of the displacement or deformation at a certain characteristic location are suggested to be jointly used in the strength reduction FEM analysis of slope stability.