Development of Horizontal Slice Method for seismic stability analysis of reinforced slopes and walls

The stability of reinforced soil structures subjected to seismic loads is analyzed using a new limit equilibrium method identified as the Horizontal Slice Method. In this approach, the sliding wedge is divided into a number of horizontal slices, which do not intersect the reinforcements, accordingly the reinforcement have no direct influence on the inter-slice forces. Following this process, the force and moment equilibrium equations for each slice or of the whole sliding wedge can be satisfied. Based on the number and nature of the equations and assumptions made, several formulations have been derived to determine the forces in the reinforcements. The fundamental parameter determined from the relevant formulation is the required total force in the reinforcements to maintain the stability of the reinforced structure. A comparative analysis between different formulations is made. Comparison of results, using the proposed approach and published analyses, shows good agreement.