Continuum finite element analysis of strain localization in slopes

This paper presents a continuum finite element analysis of strain localization in slopes. The stability problem is viewed from the standpoint of strong discontinuity (jump in displacement field) as opposed to weak discontinuity (jump in strain field). For this type of problem, an enhanced finite element solution has previously been shown to be independent of mesh refinement and insensitive to mesh alignment. Numerical simulations of a load-driven slope stability problem in infinitesimal plane strain will demonstrate these characteristics, which are necessary for a finite element solution to be meaningful.