SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS AND SLOPE FAILURE MITIGATION

Roy Anthony C. Luna, MSCE1,2

Edgardo P. Kasilag II, MTM 1, 2
John Michael B. Gargullo, MSCE (ongoing)1
Arlene Q. Buenaventura, MSCE (ongoing) 1

AMH Philippines, Inc., Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Institute of Civil Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Abstract: Slope failure or landslide is one of the most frequently occurring natural hazards in the country. This hazard is often
induced by excessive rainfall brought by typhoons and enhanced monsoons traversing the archipelago. Considering the geologic
and climatological setting of the Philippines, it is important that reliable and cost-effective design of slopes for infrastructures,
and residential and commercial developments be established. It is also essential to have a reliable geologic assessment and
geotechnical investigation which will be the inputs for the slope stability analysis.
This paper presents the considerations for the investigation and assessment of stability of slopes, as well as the applications of
mitigating measures. This will cover both natural and man-made slopes.
Key words: slope failure, slope stability analysis, geotechnical investigation, geologic assessment

INTRODUCTION

Landslide or slope failure is one of the natural hazards that

occur on most areas in the Philippines. Landslides have
caused loss of lives, destruction of infrastructures such as
roads and bridges and very high cost of rehabilitation.
Moreover, recent residential and township developments
encroaches areas that have unstable terrains. These
developments involve built up of very high embankments and
cut slopes for the access roads and structures.
This paper presents the considerations for the investigation
and assessment of stability of slopes, as well as applications
of mitigating measures. This will cover both natural and manmade slopes.

SLOPE FAILURE

Slope failure drastically alter the topography and caused

severe damage on communities and infrastructures.

Most of the landslides or slope failure occurred in the

Philippines are triggered by excessive rain, hence, called
rainfall-induced slope failure. This type of slope failure is
caused by the increased pore water pressure due to rain which
then diminishes the shear strength of the soil to a point where
equilibrium can no longer be sustained in the slope, and
failure results.
Moreover, it is known that the Philippines is within a
seismically active region, lined with faults capable of
generating high magnitude earthquakes. As such, earthquakeinduced landslide is also a threat on several regions of the
country.

ASSESSMENT AND INVESTIGATION

To conduct slope stability analysis and provide appropriate

mitigating measures, a sound assessment and investigation
should be conducted.
3.1

Slope failure can be classified into the following groups:

- Falls
- Slides
- Debris Flow - Creep
- Mud Flow
- Slump
Each type slope failure is unique and must be treated as such.
Identification of triggering mechanisms, such as earthquake
and excessive rain, is also essential in assessing the stability
of the slope and formulating mitigating measures.

Data Requirements

It is essential to have as much information as possible to have

a comprehensive and more reliable assessment and analysis.
The required data for the conduct of the analysis includes the
following:

Topographic Survey Data (before and after the

failure)
Drainage System Plans
Existing Site Conditions (e.g. photos, etc)

From these information, initial assessment can be conducted

and model parameters can be defined such as slope height,
steepness and possible mode of failure.
3.2

4.3

Geotechnical Investigation

It is essential for the conduct of slope stability analysis to have

a subsoil information within the vicinity of the project area.
This information will enable the engineers to characterize the
subsurface condition of the area and estimate the geotechnical
parameters necessary for the analysis. Shear strength
parameters are incorporated in the model which represents the
condition of the slope.
Several field tests are now available such as Standard
Penetration Test (SPT), Cone Penetration Test, Vane Shear
Test, etc. Complementing these field tests, recovered soil
samples, particularly from SPT, are brought to the laboratory
for further testing.

condition, sat = 20 kN/m3, and the unit weight of water is water

= 9.8 kN/m3, the ratio of the unit weight of water to the unit
weight of soil is about 0.50.

STUDY PARAMETERS

Slope stability analysis and design is conducted to determine

the appropriate engineering intervention on an existing slope
such that the ensuing factor of safety meets a preset factor of
safety criteria.
In general, analysis and design requires consideration of such
parameters as (1) soil mass properties; (2) slope geometry; (3)
groundwater conditions; (4) seismic activity and (5) alteration
of materials by faulting, joint or discontinuity systems.

A pseudo-static condition is the case where seismic load is

usually incorporated in the analysis. Parameter called
seismic acceleration coefficients (kh and kv) takes into
account earthquake load probability, and is expressed as
a fraction of the acceleration due to gravity. The value of
these parameters depends on the proximity of the project area
to the nearest seismic source and calculated peak ground
acceleration based on attenuation models.
4.4

SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS

Soil Properties
5.1

The soil parameters can be estimated using the results of

geotechnical investigation. Essential parameters for the
analysis are unit weight, (kN/m3), cohesion, c (kPa) and
angle of internal friction, (degrees). Several literatures
provides correlation of these parameters with the penetration
resistance from SPT and CPT.
4.2

Slope Geometry

The geometry of the slope plays an important role to its

stability. The conventional limit equilibrium methods
investigate the equilibrium of the soil mass tending to slide
down under the influence of gravity. Transitional or
rotational movement is considered on assumed or known
potential slip surface below soil or rock mass. All methods
are based on comparison of forces (moments or stresses)
resisting instability of the mass and those that causing
instability (disturbing forces). In effect, the stability of the
slope is a function of its height and steepness. For same
hydrogeologic conditions, a steeper, higher slope would have
a higher tendency to fail compared with a gentler, low
elevation slope by virtue of gravity.

5
4.1

Seismic Acceleration Coefficient

Pore Water Pressure Ratio (ru)

Pore water pressure refers to the pressure of groundwater or

water seepage held within a soil or rock, in gaps between
particles called pores. The pressure tends to push particles
apart reducing contact between them and the shearing
resistance. It also saturates the soil and increases its
weight. Due to the increase in weight, rainfall-induced
landslides are normally triggered by pore water pressure build
up on the soil mass.

A relevant parameter used in design is called pore water

pressure ratio (ru), which is the fraction of the pressure
exerted by the water to the total pressure exerted by the soil
at a point. An ru value of 0.50 is considered fully saturated
since it suggests that half of the pressure induced is due to
water. Considering the unit weight of soil at saturated

Slope Stability Analysis Theory

Slopes consisting of isotropic deposits possessing cohesion

have been observed to fail by sliding along a curved plane of
slippage. Although the slip surfaces are not truly circular in
shape, widely used methods of analysis assume that the plane
of failure follows a circular arc. This closely approximates
the actual failure plane and allows for mathematical
convenience.
Principles of engineering statics can be employed in the study
of the stability of a sloped earth mass for the possibility of
failure. The total sliding mass can be assumed to be
cylindrical and a unit width extending along the face of the
slope is analyzed.
Forces affecting the equilibrium of the assumed failure mass
are determined and the rotational moments of these forces
with respect to the center of the slip circle arc are
computed. The weight of the sliding mass and the external
loading on the slope contribute to the moments acting to cause
movement. The shear strength of the soil on the assumed slip
surface provides resistance to sliding.
One method to determine if failure (sliding) occurs is to
compare the moments that would resist movement to those

that tend to cause movement. Failure is indicated when

moments causing motion exceed those resisting it. The
factor of safety (FS) against movement is given by

FS =

Moments resisting sliding

---------------------------------Moments causing sliding

A factor of safety of 1.0 means that the assumed failure

section is on the verge of sliding.

5.3

Plaxis 2D

For more complex slope stability problems wherein

deformation is of primary concern, a geotechnical finite
element software would be very necessary. Plaxis 2D is a
finite element software which allows the designers to
determine the deformation of the slope at different stages of
construction. This is commonly used for the analysis and
design of excavation protection of buildings with several

Another method is to compare the required shear resistance

for sliding moments and resisting moments to balance with
the shear strength of the soil. If the shearing strength that can
be developed by the soil is greater than that required for
equilibrium, then failure does not occur. The factor of safety
(FS) for this method is given by

FS

Shear strength possessed by the soil

-------------------------------------------Shear strength for equilibrium
5.2
SLIDE V.6.0
=

basement levels and embankments on soft soils.

Procedures for slope stability analysis can become quite
rigorous because of the complex equations involved. For this
reason, commercial computer software have been developed
for performing slope stability analysis, which can be used for
numerous iterations and for a varying set of boundary
conditions. For this paper, SLIDE V.6.0 software by
Rocscience was used.
One of the methods included in this program is the slope
stability analysis procedure based on Bishops Method. The
final output shows data and a figure of the failure circle with
the least factor of safety for the slope being analyzed.
Bishops method was carried out to calculate the FS for the
current status and geometrical configuration. This forward
analysis predicts the possible progression of instability and
future slope failure. In case the FS is less than 1.0,
appropriate engineering and/or risk reduction measures need
to be considered.

Figure 1.

Sample SLIDE V. 6.0 output

Figure 2.

Sample output of Plaxis 2D

SLOPE STABILIZATION MEASURES

The following main type of slope stabilization measures were

considered for this paper:
(a) Slope Trimming & Benching
(b) Reinforced Earth System
(c) Soil Nailing / Shotcreting
6.1

Slope trimming and benching

Slope trimming and benching generally consists of the slope

stabilization by modification of slope angles to result in
gentler slopes, thereby increasing factors of safety. The
measure primarily consists of earthworks, both excavation of
embankment, as means to reduce slope angle. Depending on
the quality of the existing material, excavated material may
be used as backfill, compacted in accordance with the
requirements of the DPWH Technical Specifications for
Highways and Bridges. When unsuitable, borrow material
may be sourced from approved sources.
The finished slope, being prone to erosion which contributes
to instability in the long term, requires the introduction of
erosion control measures. These may include bioengineering
measures such as coco coir nets and introduction of
vegetation which will serve as long term erosion
protection. To aid in the management of surface runoff,
berms of suitable widths are constructed at appropriate
heights, which are then directed to chutes or other disposal
points along the slope height.

will form the permanent erosion protection system to support

the stability induced by the soil nails.

CONCLUSION

Slope stability analysis is necessary in evaluating the existing

condition of slopes and to formulate slope stabilization
measures. To have a reliable results, geologic assessment and
geotechnical investigation is essential. With reliable
geotechnical parameters, cost-effective measures can be
formulated.
Figure 3.

6.2

Typical trimmed and benched section

Reinforced soil system

Reinforced soil system, as referred to in this paper, will refer

to a system where mesh layers are introduced into the soil
backfill as a reinforcement to provide stability. The type of
mesh reinforcement selected for this paper is geogrids with
coco sacks as final facing of the reinforced earth. The slope
face is formed from the free end of the embedded geogrid
which is wrapped around the front face of the individual
backfill lifts which are typically between 200mm and 500mm
in lift heights.
The faces are normally constructed using temporary support
to achieve the design gradient of the slope and provide the
necessary restraint during compaction of the backfill in each
lift. This is achieved by positioning bags of topsoil or
biodegradable mats on the face of the material around which
the geogrid is wrapped. The top soil supports a quicker
vegetation of the slope, which hides the geogrid and provides
natural erosion control.

Figure 4.

6.3

Typical reinforced soil slope section

Although this paper presents only the main types of slope

stabilization measures, there are several other technologies
available in the market. However, the applicability and
limitations of each technology should be understood by both
the designers and end-users.

Figure 5.

Sample slope section with soil nails

REFERENCES
Orense, Rolando E., Geotechnical Hazards-Nature,
Assessment and Mitigation, University of the Philippines
Press, 2003
Bowles, Joseph E. Foundation Analysis and Design, 5th
edition, McGraw-Hill, 1024pp., 1996.
Nelson, Stephen A. Earthquake Hazards and Risks. EENS
2040 Tulane University.
Patwardhan, A.M. The Dynamic Earth System. 2nd edition.
2010. PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.
Lunne, T., Robertson, P. K., and Powell, J. J. M. (1997). Cone
Penetration Testing in Geotechnical Practice, Blackie
Academic and Professional, Chapman and Hall, London

Soil nailing and shotcreting

Soil nailing and shotcreting consists of reinforcing the soil

mass by the introduction of a series of thin elements called
nails to resist tension, bending and shear forces. The
reinforcing elements are made of steel round-cross-section
bars installed perpendicular into the slope in a pre-bore hole,
which is fully grouted and locked in place with steel plates at
the slope face. After the soil nails are installed, the slope is
installed with wire mesh secured in place by spikes. Weep
holes are also installed to relieve pore water pressure. The
slope face is then shotcreted to the specified thickness, which