Vol 51, No 01 (2024)

Abstract

:Slope failure probability can be calculated using simple numerical approaches, as described in the article. Modeling complex-geometric slopes using numerical methodologies based on the Finite Element Approach and the Limit Equilibrium Method yields results in a fairly clear and fast manner. Rapid water loss at the upstream slope caused the San Luis Dam to collapse after 14 years of operation. The investigation of this dam made use of numerical techniques. The principal reason the slope gave way, according to Stark and Duncan (1992), was because the shear strength of the clay decreased from its peak to its residual strength, leading to the development of extra cycle stresses. Rocscience Slide-6.0 and Rocscience Phase-2 were among the expert programs used to conduct the numerical simulations. Software features like drawdown allow for the incorporation of cyclic loading effects. Using the residual shear strength characteristics of clay obtained from Stark and Duncan (1992) and examining the slope stability in two separate cases—the full reservoir capacity scenario and the rapid drawdown case—the factor of safety was estimated. In a fast drawdown scenario, the results indicate that the factor of safety is one in the event that the upstream slope collapses. Due to their simplicity and speed in solving complicated geotechnical problems, numerical methods are an essential tool for failure prevention during the design process.

Keywords:

:Slope Stability Analysis; San Luis Dam; Numerical Analysis; Dam Failure; Limit equilibrium Method; FEM; Rapid drawdown.