Slope stability analysis by finite elements

The majority of slope stability analyses performed in practice still use traditional limit equilibrium approaches involving methods of slices that have remained essentially unchanged for decades, This was not the outcome envisaged when Whitman & Bailey (1967) set criteria for the then emerging methods to become readily accessible to all engineers, The finite element method represents a powerful alternative approach for slope stability analysis which is accurate, versatile and requires fewer a priori assumptions, especially, regarding the failure mechanism, Slope failure in the finite element model occurs 'naturally' through the zones in which the shear strength of the soil is insufficient to resist the shear stresses. The paper describes several examples of finite element slope stability analysis with comparison against other solution methods, including the influence of a free surface on slope and dam stability. Graphical output is included to illustrate deformations and mechanisms of failure. It is argued that the finite element method of slope stability analysis is a more powerful alternative to traditional limit equilibrium methods and its widespread use should now be standard in geotechnical practice.