Finite element analysis of slope stability

Afinite element procedure for analyzing limit equilibrium conditions of slopes is investigated.An inherent assumption is that stability analysis can be performed without having to followthe full loading/unloading history of the problem at hand. The procedure provides a factor of safety, as well as the deformation pattern (mechanism) associated with failure. Conditions for failure are identified by tracking the energy dissipation as the strength coefficients are reduced. The procedure also tracks the path of minimum average shear resistance via a dynamic programming algorithm. Solutions from the proposed procedure for slope stability problems are compared to those obtained from alternative analysis procedures. It is demonstrated that very different failure mechanisms can yield similar factors of safety.