Stability analysis of a slope subject to real accelerograms by finite elements. Application to San Pedro cliff at the Alhambra in Granada

The dynamic stability analysis of slopes is often conducted by the traditional method of slices, using pseudo-static calculations. However, the response of a geotechnical structure subjected to seismic loads can be studied through a dynamic finite element analysis, which can be considered one of the most complete available tools, as information about the stress distribution and the deformations can be obtained. The dynamic analysis of the stability of San Pedro cliff at the Alhambra in Granada is studied in this paper. The results have been compared with pseudo-static calculations worked out with the method of slices. Real accelerograms have been selected for the dynamic tests. Thorough in situ and laboratory tests have been conducted in order to properly characterize the cliff. The soil constitutive model is also explained in this paper. Finally, the influence of the sources of energy dissipation has been studied through the material damping, the integration scheme and the boundary conditions.