An extended 3D limit analysis of slope stability considering prestressed anchor cables reinforcement

Prestressed anchor cables have been extensively utilized in slope reinforcement engineering. Combining limit analysis with the strength reduction method (SRM), this article presents a new method to assess the three-dimensional (3D) stability of slopes with prestressed anchor cables. Compared with traditional methods, the factor of safety (F-S) calculation method is modified by considering prestressed anchor cable reinforcement by applying a horn-like shape 3D rotational failure mechanism. To validate the proposed method, comparisons between unreinforced slopes and those reinforced with a row of anchor cables are carried out using optimization algorithms and procedures. The minimum width-to-height (B/H) ratio for which the slope can be analyzed using two-dimensional (2D) analysis under different F-S calculation accuracies is obtained. To evaluate the consequences of the model parameters, parametric analysis is performed, assessing the F-S sensitivity, 3D effects, anchor cable axial force, anchor position, anchor orientation, slope angle, internal friction angle, and cohesion on slope stability. Additionally, slope stabilities under the reinforcement of a row and multiple rows of anchor cables are compared and analyzed. The proposed approach can guide the design and evaluation of slope reinforcement with prestressed anchor cables.