Stability analysis of seismic slopes with cracks

Earthquakes can trigger slope instability, especially in the case of slopes with cracks. Studies of slope stability rarely account for the presence of cracks. In this study, the upper bound limit analysis technique and the pseudo-static method were used to examine the stability of homogeneous slopes with cracks subjected to seismic loading. A series of stability charts for slope inclinations of 2:1 (β = 63.4°), 1:1 (β = 45°), 2:3 (β = 33.7°), and 1:2 (β = 26.6°) (vertical to horizontal) and internal friction angles, φ, of 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° are presented. These charts should be useful for readily determining the stability number (critical slope height), the critical crack depth, and the region affected by cracks for cracks of known depth but unknown location, cracks of known location but unspecified depth, and cracks of unspecified depth and location.