Q1. Consider an infinite slope in mixed soil with an inclined angle β.

The
unit weight of the soil is γ. The soil obeys the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion
(𝜏 ≤ 𝜎 tan(𝜙) + 𝑐 ). The failure surface of the slope is shown in the figure.
Express the Factor of Safety for this slope in terms of 𝛾, ℎ, 𝑐, 𝜙, and 𝛽.

Solutions:
1. Disturbing force

𝐹𝑑 = 𝑊sin𝛽 = 𝛾𝑏ℎsin𝛽

2. Resisting force
(𝜏 ≤ 𝜎 tan(𝜙) + 𝑐)
𝑊cos𝛽 𝛾𝑏ℎcos𝛽
𝜎= =
𝐿 𝑏/cos𝛽

𝜏 = 𝜎 tan(𝜙) + 𝑐 = 𝛾ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 (𝛽)tan(𝜙) + 𝑐

𝑏
𝐹𝑟 = 𝜏𝐿 = (𝛾ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 (𝛽)tan(𝜙) + 𝑐) cos𝛽

3. Factor of Safety
𝐹 𝑏 1 𝛾ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 (𝛽)tan(𝜙)+𝑐
𝐹𝑜𝑆 = 𝐹𝑟 = (𝛾ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 (𝛽)tan(𝜙) + 𝑐) cos𝛽 𝛾𝑏ℎsin𝛽 =
𝑑 𝛾ℎsin(𝛽)cos𝛽
Q2. A trench was cut in a clay slope to carry TV and telephone cables. The unit weight
of clay is 17.5 kN/m3. When the trench reached a depth of 2 m, the top portion of the
clay suddenly failed, engulfing the trench and injuring several workers. On
investigating the failure, you observed a slip plane approximately parallel to the original
slope. Determine the undrained shear strength of the clay.

Solution: 2m
Trench

38°

𝛾ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 (𝛽)tan(𝜙)+𝑐
From Q1 we know that 𝐹𝑜𝑆 = .
𝛾ℎsin(𝛽)cos𝛽

For clay we have 𝜙 = 0, thus

𝛾ℎsin(2𝛽)
𝑐= 𝐹𝑜𝑆
2

ℎ = 2 𝑚 and 𝛾 = 17.5 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3 , thus

17.5 × 2 × sin(2 × 38°)
𝑐= × 1 = 17 kPa
2