Analysis of Loess Slope Stability Considering Cracking and Shear Failures

• Published in: Journal of failure analysis and prevention Vol. 16; no. 6; pp. 982 - 989
• Main Authors: Chang, Jianmei, Song, Siwen, Feng, Huaiping
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Materials Park Springer Nature B.V 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Charged particles; Crack propagation; Cracks; Failure; Failure analysis; Finite element method; Loess; Safety factors; Shear; Simulation; Slope stability; Stability analysis; Stress distribution; Stress propagation; Surface stability
• ISSN: 1547-7029; 1864-1245
• DOI: 10.1007/s11668-016-0174-2

The cracks caused by tension are commonly observed on the upper border of loess slope. Most researchers assume that shear failure is the main reason for slope instability. The existing cracks and their development are not fully considered. The finite element method is applied widely in the numerical simulations of slope stability, but it converges and time problems must be considered when a crack occurs. The extended finite element method provides a new way to solve discontinuous media problems. In this paper, a composite model of cracking and shear failure is introduced. The extended finite element method was used to simulate the cracking in loess slope. The model used here had a unified enrichment function and the enriched freedom had a clear physical meaning. Numerical analyses were performed and the simulation results showed that the stress field redistributes. The crack propagated almost vertically at the beginning. The slope stability safety factor was less than that obtained without considering tension failure. Furthermore, the critical sliding surface was determined. This model can be used for analyzing the stability of loess slope and provides a reference for slope safety analyses.