An Overview on Methods for Slope Stability Analysis

Abstract

The analysis of slope stability has received widely attention now days because of its practical importance. To provide steepest slops which are stable and safe various investigations are ongoing. Stability is determined by the balance of shear stress and shear strength. If the forces available to resist movement are greater than the forces driving movement, the slope is considered stable. A factor of safety is calculated by dividing the forces resisting movement by the forces driving movement. A previously stable slope may be initially affected by preparatory factors, making the slope conditionally unstable. The field of slope stability encompasses static and dynamic stability of slopes of earth and rock-fill dams, slopes of embankments, excavated slopes, and natural slopes in soil and soft rock. Various methods are available for slope stability analysis. This paper aims an overview on various methods of slope stability on the basis of assumptions, Factor of safety calculation, soil conditions, soil types, applicability of output of the method with its limitations. This paper also aims to focus some new mathematical tools which can be applicable for stability analysis of slope.