ABSTRACT
Earthquakes lead to slope damage, especially on slopes with water-filled cracks. Although the influence of water-filled cracks is seldom considered in the study of slope dynamic stability, these water-filled cracks must be considered in slope reinforcement design. In this study, the Mohr-Coulomb strength criterion, the finite element limit analysis method, and the quasi-static method are used to discuss the influence of water-filled cracks on the dynamic stability of a reinforced homogeneous soil slope. This study only considers the impact of the horizontal seismic load and the seismic loads are 0.1 g, 0.2 g, and 0.3 g. A series of stability charts for slope inclinations of 1:1 (β = 45°), 4:7 (β = 60°), and 2:7 (β = 75°) (vertical to horizontal), internal friction angles of 20°, 25°, 30°, and 35°; and cohesions of 20 kPa, 25 kPa, 30 kPa, and 35 kPa are presented. These charts show the influence of water-filled cracks on the safety factor of a slope. In addition, this study further reveals the difference between a water-filled cracked slope and a dry cracked slope in terms of damage modes and axial force forms. The results can provide support for the stability evaluation of a water-filled cracked slope subjected to an earthquake.
