Strength reduction FEM for slope stability analysis based on field variable

In the implementation of strength reduction finite element method (SRFEM), the input file will be modified by hand based on various reduction factors to do trial calculation, the process is trivial. In order to simplify the computational process and improve efficiency, on the basis of SRFEM, combined with field variable provided by ABAQUS, a new technique for strength reduction calculation is presented-field variable based strength reduction finite element method. Cohesions and internal friction angles of rock and soil mass are assigned as functions of field variable in ABAQUS; field variable is assigned as a function of step time t, the cohesions and internal friction angles can be reduced with the increase of t, the safety factor of slope can be obtained in a single simulation process, which avoid modifying of input file and without repeating the trial calculation. Combined with some literatures, the validation of this technique for slope stability analysis has been done; the computational efficiency is compared with bisection method in the determination of safety factor. The results show that: the safety factor obtained by this method is effective and reliable; this technique is feasible for slope stability analysis; this technique simplifies the process of calculation; the efficiency of calculation is improved.