Civil and Environmental Engineering

Vol. 0, Issue 0, DOI: 10.2478/cee-2021-0020

ANALYSIS OF SLOPE STABILITY

Slávka HARABINOVÁ1,*, Kamila KOTRASOVÁ2 , Eva KORMANÍKOVÁ2, Iveta
HEGEDÜSOVÁ3
1
Department of Geotechnics and Transportation Engineering, Institute of Structural Engineering,
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Košice, Vysokoškolská 4, 042 00 Košice,
Slovakia.
2
Department of Structural Mechanics, Institute of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering,
Technical University of Košice, Vysokoškolská 4, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia.
3
Department of Concrete and Masonry Structures, Institute of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Civil
Engineering, Technical University of Košice, Vysokoškolská 4, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia.
*
corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract Keywords:
In the paper the numerical modelling of ensuring slope stability and Slope stability;
their analysing with using of different numerical methods are Ensuring of slope stability;
presented. We have designed the cutting walls with earth nails and Factor of safety;
anchors securing for modelling of slope stability ensuring. Earth nails;
The calculate and the mechanism of failure process of the reinforced Anchors.
slopes were studied using the different methods for slope stability.
The nailing significantly increased the stability level for using
Spencer method. The anchors increased the stability level for using
Spencer method. Increasing the nail or anchors length improved the
stability of the reinforced slopes. The reinforced slope exhibited a
significant the stability level.

1 Introduction
The problem of slope stability is very topical when evaluating the stability not only of existing
slopes, but also in the implementation of new slopes or excavations. The issue of slope stability is
particularly important in the construction of different types of engineering or industrial buildings [1].
Slovakia is a relatively mountainous country because most of the surface is occupied by the
highlands. High embankments or notches must be realized especially in civil engineering
constructions.
The slope face can deform, and this may lead to landsliding especially in during excavation
work of natural slopes. Landslide is caused by a combination of climatic, geological, and
geomorphological factors in response to triggering mechanisms (most often are heavy rain, seismicity,
or human activity). Landslides also cause huge socio-economic losses due to environmental
degradation. They directly affect construction, which requires the use best practices for long-term
mitigation and reduction of landslide risk. In this context, knowledge of geological and
geomorphological conditions and numerical modelling provide effective protection against landslides).
If no corrective work has been performed on the slope of the cut, the landslide can continue [2].
Methods of ensuring such as soil nails, retaining structures, geosynthetic reinforcement, gabions, and
shotcrete are often implemented to cut slopes stability. Where there is not enough space on a slope
construct, it may be used the soil nailing. The soil nailing providing the overall slope stability and
reinforced soil slopes are trusted to support motorways around the globe [1-5]. In each phase of
implementation ensuring of slope, the evaluation of the slope stability in the notch and the design of
notch stability structures are performed [8-13].
Historically, the oldest, but still widespread methodology for assessing slope stability is
evaluation according to the degree of safety. The main advantage is clarity and simplicity, given that
the safety of the structure is proved by the safety factor Fs:
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Fs = Xpas / Xakt , (1)

where: Xpas are passive forces, i.e. forces that ensure the stability of slope (prevent movement),
Xakt are active forces, i.e. forces that threatening the stability of slope (cause movement).
In the assessment slope stability according to the method of limit states reduction coefficients
be used. If the values of soil properties c, φ, γ have been adjusted by reduction coefficients γm, it is
sufficient to demonstrate in the calculation and evaluation of slope stability values greater than 1 (Fs >
1.0). The reliability must be higher than 1,5 (Fs > 1,5) if characteristic values are used in the
calculation. For optimal and safe design of slopes, it is also important to identify the geometry of the
slope, the type of rocks and their properties.
Several methods are currently being applied to calculate slope stability problems based on the
assumption that the developed slip surface is circular. If the ground is formed by rock, it is known, that
method of generating the polygonal slip surface is appropriated. There are currently several methods
for the calculating of slope stability [3-5].

2 Input data and methods

We analysed the ensuring and the realization of new excavations near the engineering
buildings. By geological survey were determined the engineering-geological conditions. Engineering-
geological conditions are represented by Quaternary sediments and the subsoil forms a Paleogene-
aluminum-complex. In this area dominate Deluvial clays and Proluvial-deluvial clays formed mainly by
clays of medium plasticity of consistent-soft consistence - CI,t group F6.
The bedrock is represented by the Paleogene silty-clayey complex. They are represent
siltstones and claystones that are completely weathered to weathered (have the character F6 - CL,p)
and siltstones and claystones that are slightly weathered and healthy (have the character of more
consistent half-rocks R4-R5). Ground water level has not been found. The parameters of rocks are
shown in the Table 1.

Table 1: Input data – soil parameters.

Rock characteristic φef [o] cef [kPa] γ [kNm-3] υ
R4 - Siltstones and claystones, slightly
35.0 15.0 24.0 0.3
weathered and healthy
R6 - Siltstones and claystones,
weathered, 26.0 20.0 21.5 0.35
(have the character F6 - CL,p)
R6 -Siltstones and claystones,
completely weathered, 24.0 12.0 21.0 0.4
(have the character F6- CL,p)
F6 - Deluvial clays (CI,t) 24.0 10.0 20.5 0.4

In this study we are calculated factor of safety using two basic principles. The first principle is an
assumption that the developed slip surface is polygonal (Sarma and Spencer Method) and the second
principle is that the slip surface is circular (Petterson and Bishop Methods) [7,8].
The assumptions and comparisons of limit equilibrium methods are listed in the Table.2.

Table 2: Using method - assumption.

Method Assumptions
Petterson method

The sliding material (soil or rock) above the circular slip

surface is divided by several vertical slices. The forces
acting on each slice are calculated from their own weight
and the weight of other parameters.
It is the method of slices that does not take into account the
action of neighbouring elements.
Is the oldest and simplest method of analysing slope
stability.
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Bishop method

The Bishop Method is the extended version of Petterson

Method.
The horizontal effects of neighboring slices are incorporate
into the calculation and too the neutral stress on the slip
surface. This is the most often by using the empirically
determined pore pressure coefficients.

Sarma method

The Sarma Method is based on the condition of equilibrium

being for the forces and moments in the individual wedges
[2]. The wedges are determined by distributing the rock
mass above the polygonal slip surface (planes with various
inclinations).
The method analyses a large slope failure as it can accept
a multi-wedge failure mechanism. It is not limited to planar
or circular failure surfaces.

Spencer method

The method analyses horizontal, vertical, and moment

equilibria on each part. It allows non-slip sliding plans and
can that determine the factor of safety along any slippery
surface.

3 Alternative solutions of ensure slope stability

We analysed the ensuring of new slope around the road [7, 8]. The location of the proposed
notch is in northern Slovakia. Several variants were proposed to ensure the slope stability, both due to
the large height of the proposed notch (the height of the notch is 13.6 m) as well as various geological
conditions. The calculations were realized for five variants (Variant A to E):
• Variant A - The proposed notch is in the gradient 5:1.
• Variant B - The proposed notch is in the gradient 5:1. This notch is divided by the one slope
bench with the width 1.0 m.
• Variant C - The proposed notch is in the gradient 5:1. This notch on is divided by the two
slope benches with the width 1.0 m.
• Variant D - The proposed notch is in the gradient 1:1.25.
• Variant E - The proposed notch is realised ed with ensuring elements (earth nails and
anchors). Variant E considers the gradual realization of the cut of slope after each step Variant E-1 to
Variant E-5.
The GEO 5 program [6] was used for calculating of these problems. The first four variants
(Fig.1) are designed without the use of ensuring elements and thus the stability of the cut slope is
solved only by using a suitable slope inclination (Variant A - Variant D).
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Fig. 1: The proposed notch in Variants A to D. The critical sliding surfaces (red line)
obtained by the Bishop method.

We are designed the notch with earth nails and anchors securing (Variant E), for modelling of
slope stability ensuring. Due to big height of the cut wall have been proposed several phases of the
realization to ensure the slope stability (Variant E-1 to Variant E-5). Assessment of the slope stability
was performed during each implementation phase, Fig. 2.
First variant (Variant A) - propose notch was in the gradient 5:1. The calculated safety factors
do not give satisfactory results for Variant A (as can be seen from the Table 3), for which reason the
Variant B - notch in the inclination 5:1 with one slope bench the width 1.0 m was suggested. The
factors of safety calculated for Variant B are also unsatisfactory so Variant C, was proposed. Variant C
is the notch in the inclination 5:1, with two slope benches the width 1.0 m. Variant D - proposed notch
is in the gradient 1:1.25, because the factors of safety calculated for the Variant C are also
unsatisfactory, Table 3.

Table 3: The safety factors for considered variants.

Factor of safety Fs
Methods
Variant A Variant B Variant C Variant D
Petterson 0.72 0.79 0.87 1.29
Bishop 0.72 0.79 0.87 1.31
Sarma 0.76 0.83 0.93 1.36
Spencer 0.77 0.81 0.91 1.40

Variant D is satisfactory, see Table 3. This variant occupies a large area, and it means a large
volume of earthwork, so we propose Variant E. Variant E - notch was designed with earth nails and
anchors. This variant was proposed for modelling of ensuring of slope stability. Variant E considers the
gradual realization of the cut of slope after each step Variant E-1 to Variant E-5, Fig. 2.
Civil and Environmental Engineering Vol. 0, Issue 0,

Fig. 2: The proposed notch in Variants E-1 to Variant E-5.

The critical sliding surfaces (red line) obtained by the Sarma method.
In Variant E-1, the excavation of the soil is 4m high and the slope is secured by two rows of
nails with force of 120 kN and a length of 6m (nails are inclined from the horizontal axis of 11 °).
Before starting the second excavation, it was necessary to ensure the first excavation with anchors
(20 m long) with an initial force of 750 kN (Variant E-2).
The Variant E-3 is representation of two more rows of soil nails 6 m long with force 120 kN. The
installation of 20 m long anchors with a force of 750 kN and another excavation of 4.5 m height
represent the Variant E-4. In the last Variant E-5, two more rows of nails were added.
The calculated factors of safety for the gradual realization of the cut of slope (Variant E-1 to
Variant E-5) are shown in the table below, Table 4. The determined result values of factor of safety are
shown in the following figures.

Table 4: The safety factors for considered variants.

Factor of safety Fs
Methods
Variant E-1 Variant E-2 Variant E-3 Variant E-4 Variant E-5
Petterson 1.81 1.95 1.95 2.15 2.16
Bishop 1.88 2.02 2.02 2.34 2.38
Sarma 1.98 2.65 2.71 3.49 3.54
Spencer 1.92 2.02 2.37 2.38 2.57

4 Discussion
The main idea of the numerical experiment is to compare the methods of slope stability and the
proposed variants of notch stability solution.
Civil and Environmental Engineering Vol. 0, Issue 0,

4.1 Comparison of proposed variants of notch stability solution

The calculations and their results documents in Fig. 3, that variants A to C present an increased
risk of landslide. The safety factors calculated are unsatisfactory for variants A to C. Variant D, in
which a notch in a gradient of 1: 1.25 was proposed, satisfies the slope stability assessment. If we
compare variants without ensuring of slope stability (Variant A to Variant D), Variant D gives the
highest safety factors for all methods used for calculation of the problem.

Fig. 3: Calculated safety factors for Variants A to Variant D.

The safety factor is defined as the ratio of active and passive forces. If the safety factor is in the
range 0 to 1.0, the slope is unstable and a value above 1.0 means that the slope is considered stable.
It can be seen in Fig. 3 that for variant A to variant C the slope is unstable. Variant D has an Fs greater
than 1 and thus the cut slope is stable.
For further ensuring of slope stability Variant E, the securing of the notch was designed with
earth nails and anchors. To improve the stability of the slope, it is possible to use the reinforced of the
slope with nails and ground anchors. Ground anchors can also be used as a remedial measure when
sliding slope. The calculated safety factors for the gradual realization of the cut of slope (Variant E-1
to Variant E-5) have the value above 1.0 indicating that the slope is stable for all step of realization,
Fig. 4.

Fig. 4: Calculated safety factors for Variants E-1 to Variant E-5.

First variant (Variant A) - the proposed notch was in the gradient 5:1. The safety factors
calculated for Variant A are not satisfactory (as can be seen from the Table 3), so the Variant B was
proposed. The safety factors calculated for the Variant B are also unsatisfactory and we proposed
Variant C. Variant D was designed due to unsatisfactory Variant C, Table 3. Variant D has the greatest
factors of safety for all used calculation methods.
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Variant D is satisfactory, but this variant occupies a large area, so we designed Variant E. This
variant was to model the ensuring of slope stability (using earth nails and anchors). Variant E -
Securing the cutting walls with earth nails and anchors. Variant E which considers the gradual
realization of cut slope after each step (Variant E-1 to Variant E-5) did satisfy the assessment of slope
stability. The calculated safety factors mean that the Variant E gives the highest safety factors for all
calculation methods, Fig. 4.

4.2 Comparison of slope stability methods

The stability analysis considers two principles. One is the principle that the developed slip
surface is polygonal for Spencer and Sarma Methods and the other assumption is that the slip surface
is circular for Bishop and Petterson Methods.
Fig. 5 shows relatively good agreement of the safety factor for the used calculated methods that
consider the shear polygonal surface, as well as the circular shear surface. The difference between
values of the calculated factors of safety using these methods is only 0.06, Fig. 5 and Table 3.

Fig. 5: Comparison of slope stability methods (Variant A to Variant D).

Fig. 6: Comparison of slope stability methods (Variant E-1 to Variant E-5).

The calculated factors of stability using methods that consider circular shear surface for Variant
E shows relatively good agreement, Fig. 6. The difference between values of calculated degrees of
stability using these methods is in the range 0.08 to 0.12, Table 3.
For Variant E, the calculated safety factors are different for methods that consider the shear
polygonal surface (Sarma and Spencer). These methods show considerable differences in the
calculated factors of stability, especially in steps 2, 4 and 5. In Variant E step 2, it was proposed to
install anchors, in step 3 to install two more rows of nails and in step 4 to install another row of
anchors. Thus, it can be assumed that a greater increase in the degree of stability will be just in steps
2 and 4, as seen by the calculated degree of stability using the Sarma method.
It follows that for the design and assessment of the slope stability formed by rocks and secured
with nails and anchors is Sarma method more appropriate, i.e. the method which takes into account
the polygonal shear surface when calculating.
Civil and Environmental Engineering Vol. 0, Issue 0,

5 Conclusions
The problem of slope stability is applicable and very actual in assessing of the stability not only
of existing slopes, but also in the implementation of new slopes or excavations. The issue of slope
stability is particularly important in the construction of engineering buildings, such as embankments,
road cut and excavations. Roads are considered as important structures and therefore a slope stability
assessment is performed for their safe and economical design. The slope face can deform, and this
may lead to landsliding especially in during excavation work of natural slopes. Landslide is caused by
a combination of geological, geomorphological, and climatic factors in response to triggering
mechanisms.
Landslides also cause directly affect construction, which requires a use best practices to
ensuring of slope stability. The calculation of slope stability of road notch was realized in several
Variants (Variant A to Variant E) in this paper. In these variants we analysed the possibilities to
ensuring and improving the slope stability during their realization. The slope stability was assessed by
the factor of safety, to determine how close the slope is to a soil failure (landslide). The factor of safety
was calculated according to generated critical sliding surfaces using various methods (Petterson,
Bishop, Sarma and Spencer).
According to the methodology and the geological conditions (the slope is formed of rocks
groups R4 to R6), under which this assessment was performed, it was concluded that the Sarma
method is more appropriate with regards to the calculation of the safety factor.

Acknowledgements
Financial support from the Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education of Slovak
Republic and the Slovak Academy of Sciences the project VEGA 1/0374/19 is gratefully
acknowledged.

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