Semi-Lagrangian reproducing kernel particle method for slope stability analysis and post-failure simulation

Slope stability analyses are often performed using Limit Equilibrium Methods (LEMs) and Finite Element Method (FEM). However, these methods can only model the slope condition up to the point of failure. Meshfree methods, which do not require a mesh or a grid in the simulation process, have the potential to model the post-failure slope behavior as mesh tangling would not occur to cause numerical instability and non-convergence. Hence, while retaining the benefits of conventional numerical schemes, meshfree method can be more advantageous when problems with large deformation are encountered. In this paper, Semi-Lagrangian Reproducing Kernel Particle Method (SLRKPM), which is a type of meshfree method, is extended to analyze geomechanics problems such as the stability of a slope and post failure slope behavior. The results from SLRKPM agree well with those from convention methods (LEMs and FEM) in terms of factor-of-safety and failure surface. In addition, SLRKPM is able to simulate the slope failure process and successfully capture the development of shear band. This proves that SLRKPM has a significant advantage over FEM when dealing with problems involving large deformation and failure of geomaterials.