Simple genetic algorithm search for critical non-circular failure surface in slope stability analysis

Soil slope stability problems in engineering works are usually analysed using limit equilibrium methods. A number of existing methods are based on finding the critical circular failure surface for homogeneous soils, but failure surfaces tend to be non-circular for layered slopes. A simple genetic algorithm is presented to search the critical non-circular failure surface in slope stability analysis and is used to solve the Morgenstern-Price method to find the factor of safety. The pseudo-static horizontal and vertical forces due to earthquake and surcharge load due to existing buildings and structures on natural slopes are included in the analysis. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.