Abstract
Presented is a three-dimensional slope stability analysis which is based on the variational limiting equilibrium approach. The characteristic feature of this approach is the absence of arbitrary assumptions with respect to the shape of the potential slip surface. The analysis is applicable to soil with a homogeneous distribution of material strength parameters. The results are presented in the form of two stability charts. One chart makes it possible to estimate the factor of safety for a given problem and the second enables prediction of the volume of moving soil in case failure does occur. This second chart makes it possible to rationally select the design safety factor where cost of potential repair is considered.The analysis illustrates the importance of the ratio between cohesion and friction in controlling the extent of failure. In particular, it is shown that the factor of safety of purely frictional material stored as a heap is the same as obtained under 2-D configuration.
