ABSTRACT
Finite element methods (FEMs) are commonly used in back analyses for interpreting measurement data. For finite element back analyses, the modelling of finite element meshes is a crucial problem because the accuracy and reliability of finite element analyses depend on what finite element meshes are used. In the case of sliding, in particular, with a curved slip plane, it is important to evaluate the curved slip plane by back analysis of the surface displacements. Therefore, prior to back analysis, a sliding plane should be back-calculated from the displacements measured on the ground surface. The accuracy of the proposed method for predicting a sliding plane is demonstrated by showing a numerical simulation using FEM. In this simulation, it is assumed that strain localisation has taken place along the sliding plane. A potential sliding plane can then be predicted by the proposed method.
