Stability Analysis of a 3D Vertical Slope with Transverse Earthquake Load and Surcharge

摘要

The stability and failure mode for a 3D vertical slope with transverse earthquake load and surcharge have been an interesting issue, especially in building excavation and wharf engineering. In order to further reveal the seismic and surcharge effect, a three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element (FE) code combined with a strength reduction procedure is used to yield a factor of safety and failure mode for a vertical slopes under two horizontal direction pseudo-static (PS) coefficient and surcharge on the slope top, respectively. Comparative studies are carried out to investigate the effect of seismic coefficient, surcharge intensity and location on the stability and the failure mechanism for a 3D vertical slope including an inclined weak layer. Several important findings are also achieved.