3D limit equilibrium method for slope stability analysis and its application

By obtaining the normal stresses over slip surface and considering the equilibrium conditions of the whole sliding body, a three-dimensional slope stability analysis method is proposed, which satisfies four equilibrium conditions and accommodates to slip surfaces of any shape. The functions of inter-column force are assumed and the distribution function of the normal stress over slip surface containing three undetermined parameters is obtained based on the force equilibrium conditions of typical discretized column. Equilibrium equations are established considering the equilibrium conditions of the whole sliding body, and then 3D factor of safety is derived using the numerical and analytic methods. Some examples are given to verify the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is more reliable compared with several other 3D slope stability analysis methods. Finally, this method has been successfully used in the stability analysis of slope on Jin Ping-zi Mountain. The present 3D slope stability analysis method can be widely used by geotechnical engineers in the design of slopes and treatment of landsides for its easy computing and programming.