Slope Stability Analysis Using A Non-linear Optimization Technique (RESEARCH NOTE)

Abstract

In this study, a limit equilibrium method has been developed that satisfies all conditions of equilibrium and assumes circular slip surfaces. All force and moment equilibrium equations are employed without using simplification assumptions. A non-linear optimization technique is used to solve the system of equations with the corresponding constraints. The proposed method is capable to determine the interslice forces, factor of safety, and the coordinates of the critical slip surface center and the length of its radius. Examples for various unknown slope stability parameters are presented and compared to other conventional methods. The concept of the proposed method can be simply extended to multi-layered soil problems with circular and non-circular slip surfaces.