Numerical Simulation of Soil Slope Stability Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

The limit equilibrium (LE) techniques are normally applied for soil slope stability calculation in the field of
geotechnical engineering. It is generally believed that the finite element based numerical techniques can provide more precise and sophisticated solutions as compared to LE approaches. Therefore, in this study, the stability of a soil slope is simulated via finite element-based method within the framework of ABAQUS software. The value of factor of safety (FS), plastic strain and horizontal displacement are obtained to assess the stability of a given soil slope. Results showed that the FEM can obtain credible values of FS, plastic shear strain and horizontal displacement. The formation and possible location of plastic strain indicated that the location of critical failure surface is around the weak zone of slope. The possible failure of slope can be circular at the crest. The shear strength and slope geometry do not mobilize along the entire slip surface at the same time. Depending upon the angle of friction (ϕ) and cohesion force (c) of soil mass, the plastic zones may develop around the slip surface in which the circular shear failure of soil slope take place