Simple genetic algorithm search for critical non-circular failure surface in slope stability analysis

Soil slope stability problems in engineering works are usually analysed using limit equilibrium methods. A number of existing methods are based on finding the critical circular failure surface for homogeneous soils, but failure surfaces tend to be non-circular for layered slopes. A simple genetic algorithm is presented to search the critical non-circular failure surface in slope stability analysis and is used to solve the Morgenstern-Price method to find the factor of safety. The pseudo-static horizontal and vertical forces due to earthquake and surcharge load due to existing buildings and structures on natural slopes are included in the analysis.