ABSTRACT
Slope stability analysis is performed to assess the potential for failure of the slope by rupture. Slopes that are typically assessed fall into a number of categories, as illustrated in Fig. 21.1. The primary objective of a stability analysis is to determine the factor of safety (FS) of a particular slope, to predict when failure is imminent, and to assess remedial treatments when necessary. In many practical situations, an analytical assessment of stability can be made. Other situations do not lend themselves to convenient analytical solutions. Analytical techniques can be applied to slope failures where peak strength occurs essentially simultaneously at every point along single or multiple failure surfaces and the mass moves as a unit or group of units. The sliding surface may be circular, planar, or irregular.
