Progressive failure analysis of slopes based on a LEM

A new method for progressive failure analysis of slopes is presented, based on the variable local factors of safety in the limit equilibrium approach. A local factor of safety is defined at the base of each slice, and used to account for the progressive, local failure along a slip surface. It is also used to approximately simulate the softening behavior of soil. The introduction of local factors of safety results in an increase of the number of unknowns. In order to render the problem determinate, simplifying assumptions are simultaneously made of the interslice forces and the line of thrust which are separately used in the Morgenstern-Price method and the Janbu method. Two different techniques called AILC and AGLC are devised to deal with the local factors of safety in the failure zones. The results of case studies show that the proposed approach can simulate the actual behavior of progressive failure.