ABSTRACT
Assessing the slope stability of MSW fills has become a very important aspect of waste containment system analysis and design. As with any stability study the selection of the most probable mode of failure and the proper values for the strengths of the materials are the most critical aspects. The slope stability analysis for MSW landfills is usually performed using conventional method of slices or translational wedge method considering potential failure surfaces at limit equilibrium. Usually a safety factor of 1.3 to 1.5 is considered acceptable, other specific values can also be mandated by regulation. The present paper presents a new method, The Generalised Wedge Method (GWEDGEM) to analyse the stability of a municipal solid waste mass. GWEDGEM is a limit equilibrium method, which satisfies force and moment equilibrium and kinematic conditions.
