ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the classic slip line theory and presents a method to determine the critical slip surface based on stress distribution using Finite Element Method (FEM). Evaluation of slope stability based on the results of FEM has long been studied in geotechnical engineering. The evaluation involves two interrelated aspects, namely the calculation of a Factors of Safety for the slope and determination of the critical slip surface. The key issue is to determine the critical slip surface based on the FEM results, which can be solved based on the slip line theory. The slip line field indicates the stress state either along the slip lines or in the localized plastic zones adjacent to loading. Classic slip line theory was developed based on plastic mechanics and applies only to the plastic zone. The elasto-plastic finite element analysis incorporates both plastic and elastic zones.
