Two-Dimensional Slope Stability Analysis by Finite Difference-Strength Reduction Technique

The basic principle of strength reduction technique is applied to the finite difference analysis, and slope stability is analyzed. The concrete position and shape of sliding surface need no assumption in solving slope factor of safety (FOS). Program can find the sliding failure surface automatically without slice dividing. The case in which the calculation iterative process is not convergent is taken as the criterion of slope failure. The slip failure surface can be got visually and intuitively, and the factor of safety is also obtained. This method is simple and effective, which can solve the stability of slope with complex geology and geomorphology, not limited by the slope geometry and structure, and the inhomogeneity of materials can be considered sufficiently. The calculation result shows that a plastic zone goes through the slope from the toe to the top, the critical slip surface occurs within the plastic zone and be composed of the points at which the shear strain rate arrives at the maximum. It is suggested that safety monitoring should be done well in construction process, and the toe of slope should be strengthening supported.