Pseudostatic slope stability analysis in two-layered soil by using variational method

Abstract

In the present article, the variational method is used for pseudostatic slope stability analysis in two-layered soil media. Although the method is based on limit equilibrium framework, it is free from any prior assumptions regarding the critical slip surface (y(x)) and the normal stress distributions (σ(x)) along the slip surface. The functional generated from the available resisting moment is the function of σ(x) and y(x) whereas, the functional generated from the actual driving moment is the function of y(x) alone. The isoperimetric model of func-tionals is extremized using Euler-Lagrangian equation. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of slope inclination angle (β) and the shear strength properties of different layers on the stability of slope for varying horizontal (kh) and vertical (kv) seismic coefficients. It is observed that the stability of slopes is more influenced by kh alone than the combined effect of kh and kv. © 2019 Associazione Geotecnica Italiana, Rome, Italy.