Three-dimensional limit analysis of seismic displacement of slope reinforced with piles

Three-dimensional (3D) limit analysis of seismic stability of slopes reinforced with one row of piles is presented in this paper. A 3D rotational mechanism for earth slope is adopted. The lateral forces provided by the piles are evaluated by the theory of plastic deformation. Expressions for calculating the yield acceleration coefficient are derived. A random iteration method is employed to find the critical acceleration coefficient for the 3D slopes with or without reinforcement. Based on the kinematic theory within the frame of the pseudo-static approach, a 3D model is proposed for evaluating the critical state and the subsequent displacement response. Furthermore, Newmark׳s analytical procedure is employed to estimate the cumulative displacement induced by given earthquake loads. An example is shown to illustrate the influence of the piles on the seismic displacement of the 3D slopes.