Department of Civil Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

CE 3350 Geotechnical Engineering
August December 2012
Stability Analysis of Slopes
1.

Taylor (1937) had published charts for determining the minimum factor of safety of
homogeneous slopes based on total stress analysis (=0). The stability number Ns is
defined as Ns=Cuu/FH in which Cuu is the undrained cohesive strength of soil, F is the
factor of safety, is the unit weight and H is the height of slope. Ns is obtained from
charts as a function of slope angle () and the depth factor (D).
Use this chart to determine the factor of safety for the following two cases:
a. H = 10 m, =40, Cuu=50 kPa, =20 kN/m3, Depth factor, D=1.5
b. H = 10 m, =60, Cuu=50 kPa, =20 kN/m3, Depth factor, D=1.5

2.

A soil slope carrying uniform surcharge of 35 kPa (corresponding to the pressure

exerted by typical highway as per IRC guidelines) is shown in Figure-2. One possible
slip circle is shown in the figure.
radius of slip circle = 20 m
X=7.5 m

H=10m

6m

L=15 m

Slope soil:
C=20 kPa, =30, =20 kN/m3

Foundation soil:
C=50 kPa, =0; =18 kN/m3
(Figure is not to scale)

Determine the factor of safety of the slope using Ordinary Method of Slices (OMS).
The surcharge pressure acting on the slope may be considered by increasing the
weight of the slice (per unit length of slope).
3.

What is the effect of shallow-height berms on the factor of safety on high

embankments resting on soft ground. Assumed deep seated failure. Clearly write
your technical reasoning with neat sketches.

4.

Briefly describe how to identify a slope at the verge of failure (due to deep seated
failure) during site investigation. Also describe some of the short term and long term
remedial measures that you may take as a geotechnical engineer.