Parametric study of a loess slope based on unified strength theory

摘要

AbstractThe unified strength theory takes into consideration the effects of intermediate principal stress, and a series of yield surfaces can be determined using various values of parameterbwhich reflects the effects of the intermediate principal stress. The lower bound (obtained usingb=0.0) is the widely used Mohr–Coulomb failure law, and the upper bound (obtained usingb=1.0) is generalized as the twin-shear strength theory. In this study, a combination of a physical model experiment and numerical simulations using unified strength theory is used to analyze the influence ofbon the failure and stability of a loess slope. An analysis shows that the size of the computed failure zone decreases noticeably with an increase inb. In contrast, the factor of safety (FOS) of the slope increases linearly with an increase inb, and an increase of 23–25% in the FOS can be obtained usingb=1.0 as compared to that forb=0.0. A comparison of the physical model experiment and simulation shows that the range ofb=0.25–0.50 is valid for determining the failure characteristics and stability of the experimental loess slope.Highlights?Influence of unified strength theory on loess slope was studied using Physical model experiment and numerical simulations.?Stresses distribution, failure zone and FOS of loess slope are affected significantly by value of parameterb.?The largerbis adopted, the smaller stresses and failure zone, and the larger FOS of slope could be calculated.?The range ofb=0.25–0.50 is the most appropriate for the experimental loess slope.]]>