Finite element analysis of steep excavation slope failure by CFS theory

The distribution of Coulomb failure stress (CFS) change in the steep excavation slope is calculated by finite element method in this paper, and the failure mechanics under different conditions have been investigated. Comparing the CFSs before and after the slope excavation (stress loading and unloading processes), the dangerous internal zone and the most likely failure external area are attained. Given the shear cracks on the top surface while tensile stress or cracks along the toe of the slope, we analyze the high cutting-angle steep slope in Kaixian county of the Three Gorges Reservoir region. We bring forward that the peak value of CFS after excavation can reach to the order of 0.1 MPa, which is greatly higher than that of before. Our preliminary results are useful for optimizing the reinforcement structure during the steep slope stabilization engineering.