Stability charts for undrained clay slopes in overload conditions based on upper bound limit analysis

The load of slope crests often influences the stability of slopes near undrained cohesive soil foundation pits. Establishing a rapid evaluation method for assessing the stability of slope in overload conditions has remarkable practical value. Based on upper bound limit analysis, rotational failure mechanism of undrained clay slopes has been analyzed. Considering the influences of stiff stratum and overload conditions on the stability of slopes, stability charts for undrained clay slopes have been established with integrated parameters of stiff stratum depth, load value and slope angle. The stability coefficient of undrained clay slopes subjected to overload and stiff stratum depth can rapidly be obtain using the suggested charts; therefore, the safety factors of such slopes can be obtained with the known parameters. Moreover, the proposed charts also identify the types of rotational failure mechanisms associated with the stability coefficients. The present work can be a beneficial supplement to the existing stability charts for simple undrained clay slopes. © 2014 EJGE.