INFLUENCE OF EMBANKMENT CONDITIONS ON SLOPE STABILITY: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY

Abstract

 Following the Atami debris flow disaster, there have been significant regulatory changes related to embankments. Discussion based on the principles outlined in the new legislation is required. The safety of embankments is predominantly evaluated using two-dimensional methods such as circular arc stability analysis or simplified approaches. However, comprehensive case studies utilizing two-dimensional evaluation methods are lacking. Therefore, this study aims to provide valuable insights to aid the design of future embankment regulations by addressing the associated challenges and proposing solutions. The research is based on recently developed guidelines that employ the two-dimensional evaluation method. Additionally, new reference materials are presented to help design professionals directly assess the shape of embankments for different materials on-site. Furthermore, the influence of variations in arbitrary points on the safety factor is analyzed within the context of the two-dimensional evaluation method. The results highlight deviations from the assumed moment equilibrium condition and demonstrate that the safety factor varies depending on the distance of an arbitrary point from the circular arc sliding surface in the perpendicular direction. These findings provide a deeper understanding of embankment stability and could inform future design practices and regulations.