Stability analysis of a slope subject to real accelerograms by finite elements. Application to San Pedro cliff at the Alhambra in Granada

• Published in: Soil dynamics and earthquake engineering (1984) Vol. 69; pp. 28 - 45
• Main Authors: Morales-Esteban, Antonio, de Justo, José Luis, Reyes, J., Miguel Azañón, J., Durand, Percy, Martínez-Álvarez, Francisco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2015
• Subjects: Accelerogram; Cliffs; Constitutive relationships; Dynamic calculation; Dynamic tests; Dynamics; Finite element; Finite element method; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Soil (material); Stability of slopes; Spain, Granada; Accelerogram; Dynamic calculation; Stability of slopes; Finite element
• ISSN: 0267-7261; 1879-341X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2014.10.023

The dynamic stability analysis of slopes is often conducted by the traditional method of slices, using pseudo-static calculations. However, the response of a geotechnical structure subjected to seismic loads can be studied through a dynamic finite element analysis, which can be considered one of the most complete available tools, as information about the stress distribution and the deformations can be obtained. The dynamic analysis of the stability of San Pedro cliff at the Alhambra in Granada is studied in this paper. The results have been compared with pseudo-static calculations worked out with the method of slices. Real accelerograms have been selected for the dynamic tests. Thorough in situ and laboratory tests have been conducted in order to properly characterize the cliff. The soil constitutive model is also explained in this paper. Finally, the influence of the sources of energy dissipation has been studied through the material damping, the integration scheme and the boundary conditions. •Dynamic analysis of the stability of a slope by finite elements.•Application of a high-yield-stress wire mesh for protecting a slope.•Use of real accelerograms for the dynamic calculations.•Calibration of the parameters for the finite element dynamic analysis.