Slope stability with regard of the stress-strain behaviour during shearing

The state of equilibrium of a slope is often evaluated with help of limit equilibrium methods. Here, it is neglected that a deformation in the shear zone has to take place before the maximum shear resistance is reached. The shear stress development depends amongst others on soil density and hydraulic conditions. Consequently, the mobilization of the shear resistance in the shear zone is not homogeneous, which can lead to an overestimation of the slope stability. This report shows a calculation method which couples the development of the slope stability with shear strain in the shear zone. For illustration purposes, two simple examples of a slope with a planar slip surface are shown.

Automated summary

The state of equilibrium of a slope is often evaluated using limit equilibrium methods, but it is often neglected that deformation in the shear zone must occur before reaching maximum shear resistance. The development of shear stress depends on factors such as soil density and hydraulic conditions, leading to non-uniform mobilization of shear resistance in the shear zone which can result in overestimation of slope stability. This report introduces a calculation method that couples slope stability development with shear strain in the shear zone.