Comparison of slope stabilization methods by three-dimensional finite element analysis

Man-made factors take an important place in the formation of landslides besides the natural events. Road constructions, establishing new residential areas and interfering natural drainage systems are some of the common reasons that cause landslides. A slope on an intercity road construction site in the western Black Sea region, Turkey, is selected for this study due to the presence of small-scale soil movements, rock falls, tension cracks and occurrence of landslides in the neighborhood. The study area is investigated at three different profiles based on the topography. Slope stability analyses are carried out on these profiles by three-dimensional finite element analyses. As the results of analysis critic levels of the factor of safety and the high soil movements are estimated for one of the profiles. There are a couple of methods developed to prevent potential landslides, ceasing soil movements and securing the construction zones. Stabilizing slopes with piles are widely being used to enhance slope stability of landslide-prone areas. In this study, the behavior of stabilizing piles with and without lateral support is investigated. The bending moments and shear forces of piles and the maximum soil displacements are estimated to evaluate the performance of pile-stabilized slopes. Slope angle reduction is being performed as a remediation option, and an optimal solution is proposed after comparing the result of the analyses.