Effect of spatial variability on stability and failure mechanisms of 3D slope using random limit equilibrium method

It is well known that soils are prone to spatial non-uniformity, which affects evaluations of slope stability and failure mechanisms. This paper presents a probabilistic evaluation, considering the 3D variation in soil properties, by random limit equilibrium method (RLEM). Specifically, fields cohesion c, friction angle ϕ, unit weight γ generated using fast Fourier transform. The RLEM applied evaluate effects variability properties on A Monte Carlo simulation used interpret reliability dimension. Based critical slip surface passing different portions (slope base, inclined face, crest), four main mechanisms (two base failures two face failures), one additional mechanism (toe failure), identified for spatially variable slopes, corresponding distributions number (Ns) sliding volume (V) investigated detail. results show large induces changes mechanisms, threshold c-ϕ values found shift from toe failure. Lastly, associated sensitivity studies performed explore uncertainties input parameters uncertainty output. estimated partial Spearman correlation coefficients has greatest influence number, positive weight, contributing stability, mechanism.