Probabilistic analysis of layered slopes with linearly increasing cohesive strength considering spatial variability

The results of probabilistic analysis of simple and layered slopes with linearly increasing (mean) undrained shear strength with depth, and spatial variability using the 2D non-circular Random Limit Equilibrium Method (RLEM) are presented. For the case of simple one-layer slopes, the results of the non-circular RLEM approach and the Random Finite Element Method (RFEM) are compared. For the case of simple one-layer slopes, it is shown that the non-circular RLEM approach gives higher values of probability of failure compared to RFEM. For the cases with mean value of factor of safety greater than one, considering spatial variability reduces probability of failure. For the case of two-layer slopes with linearly increasing undrained shear strength in both layers, it is shown that cases with larger foundation height have lower probability of failure for the same factor of safety and spatial correlation length

Keywords:

spatial variability , simple and layered slopes , RLEM , RFEM