Sensitivity analysis in stability evaluation of earthen embankments

Abstract

This study has investigated sensitivities of input parameters in stability analysis of embankments to safety factor Fs based on experimental deign. In addition to the geotechnical parameters, parameters about geometry such as height, width, and slope gradient of embankments were also considered in the analysis. This study applied regression analysis based on orthogonal design to the sensitivity analysis. The geotechnical parameters required for the stability analysis were used in the sensitivity analysis, and the sensitivity of these parameters to Fs were investigated. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that the parameters about geometry of embankments such as height and slope gradient are more sensitive to Fs, although the parameters about hydraulic characteristics of embankment material are less sensitive to the Fs.