Wedge-Failure Analysis of the Seismic Slope Using the Pseudodynamic Method

Abstract

In the past, the pseudostatic method was the most common method used to evaluate stability of the slope under seismic loads. Through the method, static forces acting on the center of gravity of a sliding body are used to consider the effects of an earthquake. However, seismic loads have different geomaterials at different times and locations; therefore, it is not reasonable to apply the pseudostatic approach to solve dynamic problems. In this study, a pseudodynamic method was developed to compute the dynamic factor of safety of the seismic slope. A sinusoidal wave was applied to simulate the effects of an earthquake. The effects of physicomechanical behaviors of geomaterials on the seismic stability of slopes were taken into account as were inertia and damping forces. In addition, two classical examples were investigated to verify the robustness and precision of the proposed method. The results from the present method are in good agreement with those from studies published previously.