Stability of earth slopes. Part II: three dimensional analysis in closed‐form

A closed‐form stability analysis of earth slopes performed in 3D is proposed. The sliding surface is assumed spherical and treated as a rigid body allowing the internal state of stress to be ignored. The proposed closed‐formed solution (CFS) can be applied to both homogenous and non‐homogenous slopes of either simple or complex geometry and can also deal with any kind of additional loading. Although it is recognized that the critical failure surface is often non‐spherical, the CFS methodology for spheres described herein provides an objective tool for the evaluation of the assumptions made by other limit equilibrium methods including the role of intercolumn forces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analytical solution for one‐dimensional consolidation of unsaturated soils using eigenfunction expansion method

This paper introduces an exact analytical solution for governing flow equations for one‐dimensional consolidation in unsaturated soil stratum using the techniques of eigenfunction expansion and Laplace transformation. The homogeneous boundary conditions adopted in this study are as follows: (i) a one‐way drainage system of homogenous soils, in which the top surface is considered as permeable to air and water, whereas the base is an impervious bedrock; and (ii) a two‐way drainage system where both soil ends allow free dissipation of pore‐air and pore‐water pressures. In addition, the analytical development adopts initial conditions capturing both uniform and linear distributions of the initial excess pore pressures within the soil stratum. Eigenfunctions and eigenvalues are parts of the general solution and can be obtained based on the proposed boundary conditions. Besides, the Laplace transform method is adopted to solve the first‐order differential equations. Once equations with transformed domain are all obtained, the final solutions, which are proposed to be functions of time and depth, can be achieved by taking an inverse Laplace transform. To verify the proposed solution, two worked examples are provided to present the consolidation characteristics of unsaturated soils based on the proposed method. The validation of the recent results against other existing analytical solutions is graphically demonstrated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new closed‐form solution for analysis of unlined pressure tunnels under seepage forces

In this study, a simplified analytical closed‐form solution, considering plane strain and axial symmetry conditions, for analysis of a circular pressure tunnel excavated underwater table, is developed. The method accounts for the seepage forces with the steady‐state flow and is based on the generalized effective stress law. To examine the effect of pore pressure variations and also the boundary conditions at the ground surface, the formulations are derived for different directions around the tunnel. The proposed method can be applied for analysis and design of pressure tunnels. Illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the performance of the proposed solution and also to examine the effect of seepage forces on the stability of tunnels. The simplified analytical solution derived in this study is compared with numerical analyses. It is concluded that the classic solutions (Lame's thick‐walled solution), considering the internal pressure as a mechanical load applied to the tunnel surface, are not applicable to pervious media and can result in an unsafe design. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Slope stability analysis by SRM-based rock failure process analysis (RFPA)

The fundamental principles of the strength reduction method (SRM) are incorporated into the rock failure process analysis (RFPA) code to produce an RFPA–SRM method for analysing the failure process and stability of rock and soil slopes. The RFPA–SRM method not only satisfies the global equilibrium, strain-consistent, and non-linear constitutive relationship of rock and soil materials but also takes into account the heterogeneous characteristics of materials on the micro- and macro-scales. When the proposed method is used for slope stability analysis, both the critical failure surface and the safety factor can be obtained directly without any assumptions regarding the shape and location of the failure surface. The numerical results agree well with those obtained using conventional limit equilibrium and other FEM strength reduction methods. The proposed technique is applied to a number of more complex cases, including slopes in mixed rock–soil formations, rock layer formations, and highly jointed rock masses. It is shown that the RFPA–SRM method can describe the mechanism of failure of slopes and has potential applications in a large range of geoengineering problems.     

Sarma‐based key‐group method for rock slope reliability analyses

The methods used in conducting static stability analyses have remained pertinent to this day for reasons of both simplicity and speed of execution. The most well‐known of these methods for purposes of stability analysis of fractured rock masses is the key‐block method (KBM). This paper proposes an extension to the KBM, called the ‘key‐group method’ (KGM), which combines not only individual key‐blocks but also groups of collapsable blocks into an iterative and progressive analysis of the stability of discontinuous rock slopes. To take intra‐group forces into account, the Sarma method has been implemented within the KGM in order to generate a Sarma‐based KGM, abbreviated ‘SKGM’. We will discuss herein the hypothesis behind this new method, details regarding its implementation, and validation through comparison with results obtained from the distinct element method. Furthermore, as an alternative to deterministic methods, reliability analyses or probabilistic analyses have been proposed to take account of the uncertainty in analytical parameters and models. The FOSM and ASM probabilistic methods could be implemented within the KGM and SKGM framework in order to take account of the uncertainty due to physical and mechanical data (density, cohesion and angle of friction). We will then show how such reliability analyses can be introduced into SKGM to give rise to the probabilistic SKGM (PSKGM) and how it can be used for rock slope reliability analyses. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The key‐group method

This paper proposes an extension to the key‐block method, called ‘key‐group method’, that considers not only individual key blocks but also groups of collapsable blocks into an iterative and progressive analysis of the stability of discontinuous rock slopes. The basics of the key‐block method are recalled herein and then used to prove how key groups can be identified. We reveal that a key group must contain at least one basic key block, yet this condition is not entirely sufficient. The second block candidate for grouping must be another key block or a block whose movement‐preventing faces are common to one or more single key blocks. We also show that the proposed method yields more realistic results than the basic key‐block method and a comparison with results obtained using a distinct element analysis demonstrates the ability of this new method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

LU Kun-lin,ZHU Da-yong,YANG Yang 均质边坡准三维安全系数实用计算曲线

针对三维极限平衡法计算边坡安全系数存在着分析过程繁琐、较难普及推广等诸多不足,建立了一套实用的三维边坡安全系数计算曲线。假设三维滑面为中间圆柱和两端为部分球面的组合滑面,采用基于滑面正应力修正的极限平衡分析方法,计算36 864个均质边坡,根据计算结果绘制该套曲线。依据该套曲线可以得到,（1）根据已知边坡体的相关指标快速获得三维安全系数,能够得到较二维分析方法更准确、更客观的稳定性评价;（2）根据实际坡体的稳定状况反分析获得滑面土体强度参数,有效地克服二维反分析得到滑面土体强度参数偏高的弊端。研究成果可为均质边坡三维稳定性初步评价提供简单、实用的参考依据。     

最小势能方法在二维边坡稳定分析中的应用

提出了一种新的边坡稳定性评价方法。依据平衡体系势能变化最小的原理，从整个边坡的势能变化求得一个满足势能的最小位移，并直接求出滑面上的法向力分布。均质边坡直接用此分布即可求出合理的安全系数；具有多种土层边坡在保持法向力代数和不变的前提下，按自重应力因子重新分布，也可以求得合理的安全系数。     

Relevance vector machine‐based response surface for slope reliability analysis

A new computing method is proposed for reliable analysis. The limit state function is implicit and nonlinear in reliability analysis of slopes and is difficult to apply by traditional reliability methods, especially in large‐scale project applications. Relevance vector machines (RVMs) are capable of approximating the limit state function without the need for additional assumptions regarding the function form, as opposed to traditional polynomial response surfaces. RVMs were adapted to obtain the limit state function. We propose an RVM‐based response surface method combined with the first‐order reliability method for slope reliability analysis and describe its step‐by‐step implementation. The reliability index obtained from the proposed method shows excellent agreement with traditional response surface method results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Exact solutions for one‐dimensional consolidation of single‐layer unsaturated soil

Based on the Fredlund consolidation theory of unsaturated soil, exact solutions of the governing equations for one‐dimensional consolidation of single‐layer unsaturated soil are presented, in which the water permeability and air transmission are assumed to be constants. The general solution of two coupled homogeneous governing equations is first obtained. This general solution is expressed in terms of two functions psi₁ and ψ₂, where ψ₁ and ψ₂, respectively, satisfy two second‐order partial differential equations, which are in the same form. Using the method of separation of variables, the two partial differential equations are solved and exact solutions for three typical homogeneous boundary conditions are obtained. To obtain exact solutions of nonhomogeneous governing equations with three typical nonhomogeneous boundary conditions, the nonhomogeneous boundary conditions are first transformed into homogeneous boundary conditions. Then according to the method of undetermined coefficients and exact solutions of homogenous governing equations, the series form exact solutions are put forward. The validity of the proposed exact solutions is verified against other analytical solutions in the literature. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

禁忌搜索在边坡稳定分析中的应用

在禁忌搜索和极限平衡分析的基础上,提出了全局确定边坡最小安全系数的禁忌搜索方法,并建立了响应的模型;该方法是一种启发式的全局搜索方法,可以搜索出全局最小安全系数,同时还能确定出与之对应的最危险滑动面。将该方法应用于不同几何形状和土层信息的边坡稳定分析中,结果表明,提出的方法能够避免局部最小解,并能搜索到全局最小安全系数。     

Modeling progressive failures in rock slopes with non‐persistent joints using the numerical manifold method

Rock slope failure is a complex process that usually involves both opening/sliding along pre‐existing discontinuities as well as fracturing of intact rock bridges. Discontinuity persistence is an important factor governing rock slope instabilities. However, traditional slope failure analysis assumes persistent discontinuities, and rock slope fails along a predefined persistent continuous potential failure surface because of the limitations of the analysis tools. This paper proposes the numerical manifold method (NMM) incorporated with a Mohr–Coulomb criterion‐based fracturing algorithm to simulate the progressive failure of rock slopes with non‐persistent joints. Detailed fracturing algorithm is first presented. Then, the NMM enabling fracturing is calibrated through simulating an edge‐cracked plate and the Brazilian test. Lastly, the developed code is applied to investigate the failure process of rock slopes involving non‐persistent joints. Numerical results indicate that the proposed method can capture the opening/sliding along existing discontinuities, the fracturing in intact rock bridges and the final kinematic release. Progressive slope failure is well exhibited. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pore‐scale modeling of surface erosion in a particle bed

A fully coupled transient two‐dimensional model was employed to study fundamentals of flood‐induced surface erosion in a particle bed. The interaction of the liquid and solid phases is the key mechanism related to surface erosion. The solid phase was idealized at a particle scale by using the discrete element method. The fluid phase was modeled at a mesoscale level and solved using the lattice Boltzmann method. The fluid forces applied on the particles were calculated on the basis of the momentum the fluid exchanges with the particle. The proposed approach was used to model both single particles and particle beds subjected to Couette flow conditions. The behavior of both the single particle and the particle bed depended on particle diameter and surface shear fluid velocity. The conducted simulations show that the fluid flow profile penetrates the bed for a small distance. This penetration initiates sheet‐flow and surface erosion as the fluid interacts with particles. The effect of suppressing particle rotation on the fluid‐induced forces on the particle was also examined. Suppressing particle spinning may lead to underestimated erosion rate. Results of fluid and particle velocities were compared against experimental results and appeared to agree with the observed trends.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analytical solutions of a finite two‐dimensional fluid‐saturated poroelastic medium with compressible constituents

An analytical solution is proposed for transient flow and deformation coupling of a fluid‐saturated poroelastic medium within a finite two‐dimensional (2‐D) rectangular domain. In this study, the porous medium is assumed to be isotropic, homogeneous, and compressible. In addition, the point sink can be located at an arbitrary position in the porous medium. The fluid–solid interaction in porous media is governed by the general Biot's consolidation theory. The method of integral transforms is applied in the analytical formulation of closed‐form solutions. The proposed analytical solution is then verified against both exact and numerical results. The analytical solution is first simplified and validated by comparison with an existing exact solution for the uncoupled problem. Then, a case study for pumping from a confined aquifer is performed. The consistency between the numerical solution and the analytical solution confirms the accuracy and reliability of the analytical solution presented in this paper. The proposed analytical solution can help us to obtain in‐depth insights into time‐dependent mechanical behavior due to fluid withdrawal within finite 2‐D porous media. Moreover, it can also be of great significance to calibrate numerical solutions in plane strain poroelasticity and to formulate relevant industry norms and standards. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

3D key‐group method for slope stability analysis

Because of the simplicity and the speed of execution, methods used in static stability analyses have yet remained relevant. The key‐block method, which is the most famous of them, is used for the stability analysis of fractured rock masses. The KBM method is just based on finding key blocks, and if no such blocks are found to be unstable, it is concluded that the whole of the rock mass is stable. Literally, though groups of ‘stable’ blocks are taken together into account, in some cases, it may prove to be unstable. An iterative and progressive stability analysis of the discontinuous rock slopes can be performed using the key‐group method, in which groups of collapsible blocks are combined. This method is literally a two‐dimensional (2D) limit equilibrium approach. Because of the normally conservational results of 2D analysis, a three‐dimensional (3D) analysis seems to be necessary. In this paper, the 2D key‐group method is developed into three dimensions so that a more literal analysis of a fractured rock mass can be performed. Using Mathematica software, a computer program was prepared to implement the proposed methodology on a real case. Then, in order to assess the proposed 3D procedure, its implementation results are compared with the outcomes of the 2D key‐group method. Finally, tectonic block No.2 of Choghart open pit mine was investigated as a case study using the proposed 3D methodology. Results of the comparison revealed that the outcomes of the 3D analysis of this block conform to the reality and the results of 2D analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

求解边坡矢量和安全系数的条分法

矢量和安全系数物理、力学意义明确,通常采用有限元计算得到的应力场来求解。提出一种简便的求解方法,在通用条分法（GLE）的基础上,满足力和力矩平衡的严格条件,推导了基于条分法的矢量和安全系数。采用广义简约梯度法（GRG）搜索临界滑面,在极限抗滑合力矢方向上求解矢量和安全系数。整个计算过程都在电子表格软件Excel内实现,易于在工程实践中推广。对于圆弧滑面边坡,其计算结果表明：①矢量和安全系数与代数和安全系数非常接近,对应的滑面位置也相近。②不同的条间力函数假设（常数和半正弦函数）对边坡的矢量和安全系数影响很小。③极限抗滑合力矢方向? 小于边坡坡角,其值与假定条间力平行时的条间力方向非常一致。在极限平衡分析框架内,计算方法可进一步简化为：假设条间力平行,将条间力方向作为矢量和安全系数的计算方向。对于非圆弧滑面边坡,其计算结果表明：①均质边坡的矢量和安全系数与代数和安全系数相对误差小于3 %,滑面位置接近,而软弱层边坡两种方法的计算结果有一定差别。②不同的条间力函数假设对边坡的矢量和安全系数影响很小。     

Some numerical issues using element‐free Galerkin mesh‐less method for coupled hydro‐mechanical problems

A new formulation of the element‐free Galerkin (EFG) method is developed for solving coupled hydro‐mechanical problems. The numerical approach is based on solving the two governing partial differential equations of equilibrium and continuity of pore water simultaneously. Spatial variables in the weak form, i.e. displacement increment and pore water pressure increment, are discretized using the same EFG shape functions. An incremental constrained Galerkin weak form is used to create the discrete system equations and a fully implicit scheme is used for discretization in the time domain. Implementation of essential boundary conditions is based on a penalty method. Numerical stability of the developed formulation is examined in order to achieve appropriate accuracy of the EFG solution for coupled hydro‐mechanical problems. Examples are studied and compared with closed‐form or finite element method solutions to demonstrate the validity of the developed model and its capabilities. The results indicate that the EFG method is capable of handling coupled problems in saturated porous media and can predict well both the soil deformation and variation of pore water pressure over time. Some guidelines are proposed to guarantee the accuracy of the EFG solution for coupled hydro‐mechanical problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Transient seepage analysis in zoned anisotropic soils based on the scaled boundary finite‐element method

The scaled boundary finite‐element method, a semi‐analytical computational scheme primarily developed for dynamic stiffness of unbounded domains, is applied to the analysis of unsteady seepage flow problems. This method is based on the finite‐element technology and gains the advantages of the boundary element method as well. Only boundary of the domain is discretized, no fundamental solution is required and singularity problems can be modeled rigorously. Anisotropic and non‐homogeneous materials satisfying similarity are modeled with no additional efforts. In this study, firstly, formulation of the method for the transient seepage flow problems is derived followed by its solution procedures. The accuracy, simplicity and applicability of the method are demonstrated via four numerical examples of transient seepage flow – three of them are available in the literature. Homogenous, non‐homogenous, isotropic and anisotropic material properties are considered to show the versatility of the technique. Excellent agreement with the finite‐element method is observed. The method out‐performs the finite‐element method in modeling singularity points. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical analysis of slope stability based on the gravity increase method

A micromechanical model is proposed for studying the stability and failure process of slopes based on the gravity increase method (GIM). In this numerical model the heterogeneity of rock at a mesoscopic level is considered by assuming that the material properties conform to the Weibull distribution. Elastic damage mechanics is a method used for describing the constitutive law of the meso-level element, the finite element method (FEM) is employed as the basic stress analysis tool, and the maximum tensile strain criterion and the Mohr–Coulomb criterion are utilised as the damage threshold. The numerical model is implemented into the Realistic Failure Process Analysis (RFPA) code using finite element programming, and an extended version of RFPA, i.e., RFPA-GIM, is developed to analyse the failure process and stability of slopes. In the numerical modelling with RFPA-GIM, the critical failure surface of slopes is obtained by increasing the gravity gradually but keeping material properties constant. The acoustic emission (AE) event rate is employed as the criterion for slope failure. The salient feature of the RFPA-GIM in stability analysis of slopes is that the critical failure surface as well as the safety factor can be obtained without any presumption for the shape and location of the failure surface. Several numerical tests have been conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of RFPA-GIM. Numerical results agree well with experimental results and those predicted using the FEM strength reduction method and conventional limit equilibrium analysis. Furthermore it is shown that selection of the AE rate as the criterion for slope failure is reasonable and effective. Finally, the RFPA-GIM is applied to several more complex cases, including slopes in jointed rock masses and layered rock formations. The results indicate that the RFPA-GIM is capable of capturing the mechanism of slope failure and has the potential for application in a larger range of geo-engineering.     

Displacement‐controlled method and its applications to material non‐linearity

For the analysis of non‐linear problems, the displacement‐controlled method (DCM) has a more extensive application scope and more powerful abilities than the load‐controlled method (LCM). However, difficulties of the DCM's procedure not amenable to most finite element implementations of the conventional LCM have restricted its applications in geomechanics. By means of Sherman–Morrison's theorem, the solution of DCM is improved. The improved procedure is characterized by high efficiency, good numerical stability and a programme structure similar to LCM. Two aspects of applications of DCM are illustrated. The first application is to compute the response of a structure under a given load level like the conventional finite element analysis. The second application is to trace the equilibrium path of a structure under a given load distribution type. A simple but effective algorithm is presented for automatically adjusting the step length in tracing the equilibrium path. Examples illustrate that the proposed procedures are suited for modelling complicated non‐linear problems in geomechanics. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.