Application of three-dimensional finite element method in parametric and geometric studies of slope stability analysis

Numerical methods generally and the finite element method particularly have been successfully employed in the analysis of non-conventional geotechnical problems for over three decades. Their application, however, is mainly in the analysis of stresses and deformation in plane strain and axisymmetrical conditions. Little has been done to explore the many possibilities of employing these methods in three-dimensional (3-D) analysis in predicting soil failure and possible collapse mechanisms. In this paper, some of the capabilities of the finite element method in the slope stability analysis are investigated and compared with the traditional limit equilibrium techniques. A procedure of calculating factor of safety from 3-D finite element analysis is also described. The procedure is implemented in parametric and geometric studies carried out on soil embankments to examine the influence of factors such as geometry of embankments, curvature and pore water pressure on the resulting values of factor of safety. For the covering abstract see ITRD E128041.