This article describes a new approach in slope stability computations. The procedure combines an optimization method known as "dynamic programming" with finite element method to search for the critical slip surface and compute the corresponding factor of safety. The critical slip surface is defined as the optimal path through the finite element stress field that yields the minimum value of the "optimal function". A computer program named DYNPROG has been developed based on the analytical procedure described in this article. Comparisons of the present method with numerous limit equilibrium methods of slices showed that the present method provided a more satisfied solution in terms of the location of the critical slip surface as well as the value of the factor of safety.
展开▼
