Under and post-construction probabilistic static and seismic slope stability analysis of Barmshour Landfill, Shiraz City, Iran

Construction of municipal solid waste (MSW) in open dump sites is a popular method in developing countries, for financial reasons. Although the side slopes of these non-engineered dump sites are stable under static conditions, they can easily fail, if excessive water infiltration or sever earthquakes occur. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the probabilistic stability of a failed dump site in Iran considering the uncertainties in shear strength parameters and unit weight of the waste material as well as the variability in seismic forces. Under and post-construction probabilistic slope stability analyses were conducted under static and seismic loads. The results of the analysis of the under construction failed cell shows that the slope is stable under static and seismic loads and the probability of instability is zero. In the case of excessive infiltration from water flow, it is shown that the slope has high risk of failure. The post-construction probability analysis reveals that, for slope angles ranging from 40 to 45 degrees and slope heights ranging from 35 to 50 m the slope is stable under both static and seismic loads. Based on the results of this study, several recommendations are presented for the construction of open dump sites in Iran.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the probabilistic stability of a failed dump site in Iran, finding that both pre-construction and post-construction slopes are stable under static and seismic loads. Excessive water infiltration is identified as the main cause of instability.