Block Limit Analysis Method for Stability of Slopes During Earthquakes

Based on the limit analysis upper bound method, a new mechanism of soil slope failure has been proposed which was consisted of plastic shear zone and rigid block zone. The different zones interface were regarded as discontinuity lines. Two sliding blocks of the slope were also incorporated horizontal seismic force and vertical gravity force. The velocities and forces were analyzed in two blocks, and the expression of velocity discontinuities was derived according to the principle of incompressibility. The external force done work for the blocks and the internal energy dissipated of the plastic shear zone and the velocity discontinuous were solved. The stability ratios were derived for the height of two-level slope with different rates to involve seismic and no seismic. The present stability ratios were compared to the previous study, which showed the superiority of the mechanism and the rationality of the analysis. The critical height of the slope can provide a theoretical basis for slope support and design.