Stability charts for pseudo-static slope stability analysis

Most design manuals and codes recommend a simple pseudo-static approach for analysis of slope stability under seismic conditions. Exceptions to this recommendation include problems involving liquefaction, soils exhibiting significant strength loss under cyclic loading, and exceptionally large earthquakes. These unusual situations are not considered in the present work. Conventional applications of the pseudo-static approach are based on slice methods which involve various kinematic and static assumptions. The present work is based on a variational formulation of limiting equilibrium and a strength reduction procedure. The advantage of these formulations is that they do not involve kinematic and/or static assumptions.The main purpose of the present work is to present a design chart for pseudo-static analysis of homogeneous slopes applicable over a wide range of input parameters. Such charts are useful for preliminary design, and allow the designer to assess the effects of various parameters on stability “at a glance”.