Slope Stability Analysis of Rock Buttress using Limit Equilibrium Method

摘要

Landslide is a frequently occurred as natural phenomenon in Malaysia. Two main problems with landslide in Malaysia are it leads to fatalities and losses in term of money and possessions. The main factor that contribute to this disaster is due to heavy rainfall and significantly disrupt roadways especially in hilly and mountainous area. This study focussed on the performance of rock buttress (RB) as a technique to stabilize the embankment slope by analysing it using limit equilibrium method. Influence of groundwater level (GWL) to this slope stabilization method was studied comprehensively throughout this research. Mohr-Coulomb model that adopted in this analysis is to compute the factor of safety (FOS) by considering several surcharges value such as 0 kN/m~2, 10 kN/m~2 and 20 kN/m~2. GWL was modelled at 2 m, 4 m and 6 m and measured from the level of toe slope. The effectiveness of RB as slope stabilization method was assessed from the increasing value of FOS compared to FOS in typical embankment slope constructed without RB. Simulation for slope gradient 1:1.5 resulted in higher FOS than slope gradient 1:2 for both condition treated by RB and 4 m of GWL. However, in dry condition, FOS demonstrated higher value for 1:2 slope modelled compared to slope 1:1.5. As a conclusion, the RB can be adopted as an alternative method to stabilize the slope, increase the FOS and retain underlying erodible material.