Chapter 5.

Slope Stability Analyses and Stabilization Measures

1. A natural slope is 45-m high and the slope angle is 38 degrees. The surficial soil is
loose silty sand with cohesion 45 kN/m 2, internal friction angle 25 degrees, and bulk
unit weight 18.0 kN/m3. The thickness of the topsoil is 1.0 m in the vertical direction.
The slope is dry. Determine the factor of safety of the surficial soil layer against
translational failure.

Solution:

Solution using allowable stress design approach:

Since the slope is 45 m high, a think layer of loose silty sand (1.0 m in height) exists
on the slope surface, the infinite slope method for dry slope is used. The factor of
safety is:

= 5.74

Solution using limit state design approach:

It should be verified that Ed ≤ Rd where Ed is the design effect of the actions (e.g.
sliding force) and Rd the design strength.

Following Equation (5.20) and assuming G = 1.35 (Note that this value may change
according to local design approach)

Ed =γ G γ k H cos β sin β=1.35 ×18 ×1 ×cos 25 × sin 25=9.3 kN/m2

Similarly from Equation (5.19) and assuming that R = 1.10, c´ = 1.00,  = 1.00
and ´ = 1.00.

´
1 ck γ k tanΦ ´k
Rd =
[ 2
+ H cos β
γ R γc ´ γγ γΦ
=
] [
1 45 18
+
1.10 1.0 1.0
1.0 cos 2 38
tan 25
1.0 ]
= ¿ 45.6 kPa

Since Ed ≤ Rd the limit state is satisfied and the slope is safe.

2. A saturated natural slope is 45-m high and the slope angle is 38 degrees. The surficial
soil is loose silty sand with effective cohesion 45 kN/m 2, effective internal friction
angle 25 degrees, and saturated unit weight 19.0 kN/m 3. The thickness of the topsoil
 is 1.0 m in the vertical direction. The downward seepage is parallel to the slope
surface. Determine the factor of safety of the surficial soil layer against translational
failure.

Solution:
Solution using allowable stress design approach:

The infinite slope method with seepage parallel to the slope face is used. The FS is
based on Equation (5.23).

tf 2 c¢ g ¢ tan f ¢
FS = = +
t g sat H sin(2 b ) gsat tan b

where: c = 45 kN/m2,  = 25, sat = 19 kN/m3,  = 38,   = 199.81= 9.19 kN/m3,

H = 1.0 m.

2 ´ 45 9.19 tan 25
FS = + ´ =
19 ´ 1.0 ´ sin(2 ´ 38) 19 tan 38 5.17 > 1.5, no slope failure.

Solution using limit state design approach:

Following Equation (5.31) and assuming that G = 1.35,R = 1.10, c´ = 1.00,  = 1.00
and ´ = 1.00. Note that these partial factors of safety may change locally.

´
1 c k γ sat , k tan Φ´k
Ed ≤ Rd =γ G γ sat , k H cos β sin β ≤
[ (
γ R γ c´
+
γγ
2 2
)
H cos β −γ w H cos β
γΦ ]
Ed =1.35 ×19 ×1 ×cos 38sin 38=12.44 kPa

1 45 19 tan 25
Rd =
[ ( +
1.10 1.0 1.0
1 cos2 38−9.81× 1cos 2 38
1.0 ) ]
=43.3 kPa

Since Ed ≤ Rd the limit state is satisfied and the slope is safe.

3. A reservoir is 45-m deep and the side slope of the reservoir developed a loose
surficial layer that is 1.0 m thick (in the vertical direction). The slope angle is 38
degrees. The surficial soil layer has cohesion 45 kN/m2, internal friction angle 25
degrees, and saturated unit weight 19.0 kN/m 3. Assuming the reservoir water level is
at the top of the side slope, determine the factor of safety of the surficial soil layer
against translational failure.

Solution:
 Solution using allowable stress design approach:

The infinite slope method with submerged slope without seepage is used.

tf 2c tan f
FS = = +
t g ¢H sin(2 b ) tan b

where: c = 45 kN/m2,  = 25, sat = 19 kN/m3,  = 38,   = 199.81= 9.19 kN/m3, H

= 1.0 m.

2 ´ 45 tan 25
FS = + =
9.19 ´ 1.0 ´ sin(2 ´ 38) tan 38 10.87 > 1.5, no slope failure.

Solution using limit state design approach:

It should be verified that Ed ≤ Rd. Following Equation (5.26), assuming G = 1.35 (Note
that this value may change according to local design approach) and recalling that the
submerged unit weight has to be used:

Ed =γ G γ k H cos β sin β=1.35 ×18 ×1 ×cos 25 × sin 25=9.3 kN/m2

´
1 ck γ ´ k tan Φ ´k
Rd =
[ +
γ R γc ´ γ γ
H cos2 β
γΦ ] [ =
1 45 9.19
+
1.10 1.0 1.0
1.0 cos 2 38
tan 25
1.0] = ¿ 43.3 kPa

Since Ed ≤ Rd the limit state is satisfied and the slope is safe.

4. A homogeneous earth embankment is 25-meter high and the slope inclination is 2:1
(H:V). The effective cohesion of the embankment is 45 kN/m 2, its effective friction
angle is 25 degrees, and the bulk unit weight is 19.2 kN/m 3. Assume the potential
failure surface is a plane. Determine the minimum factor of safety of the slope.

Solution:

Given: H = 25 m,  = 26.6,  = 19.2 kN/m3, c = 45 kN/m2,  = 25.

Since the potential failure surface is a plan, use Culmann’s method and follow the
approach in Figure 5.6. The effective stress method is used. The following table is
developed for the trial-and-error approach.

c¢ tan f ¢ g H é1- cos ( b - f m¢ ) ù

FSc¢ = FSf ¢ = cm¢ = ê ú
cm¢ tan fm¢ 4 ë sin b cos fm¢ û
, ,

Culmann’s method, trial-and-error approach to find FS

 FS (assumed) m cm (kN/m2) FSc
1.0 25 0.115 390.31
2 13.1 7.576 5.94
3 8.8 12.933 3.48
3.2 8.3 13.711 3.28
3.24 8.2 13.876 3.24

The factor of safety of the slope is 3.24; the slope is stable.

5. For the same slope described in Problem 4, what is the factor of safety on a planar
failure surface that has an inclination angle of 20 degrees?

Solution:
Given: H = 25 m,  = 26.6,  = 19.2 kN/m3, c = 45 kN/m2,  = 25, and  = 20.

Use Culmann’s method and Equation (5.36).

= 3.41

It can be seen that the FS (3.41) on a plane of 20 is larger than the minimum FS of 3.24
that was obtained in Problem 4. Therefore, the plane of 20 inclination is not the critical
failure plane.

6. A homogeneous earth embankment is to be constructed. The slope inclination is 2:1

(H:V). The effective cohesion of the embankment is 45 kN/m 2, its effective friction
angle is 25 degrees, and the bulk unit weight is 19.2 kN/m 3. Assume the potential
failure surface is a plane. If a factor of safety of 1.5 is required, determine the height
of the embankment that satisfies the factor of safety.

Solution:
FS =FSc =FSf
Given:  = 26.6,  = 19.2 kN/m3, c = 45 kN/m2,  = 25, and =1.5

c¢ 45
cm¢ = = =30 kN/m 2
FS 1.5

Use Equation (5.45), the height of slope is:

 = 203 m

7. A saturated and undrained clayey slope is 10-m high and the slope angle is 40
degrees. Subsurface investigation found that the subsoil is homogeneous clay with
undrained cohesion of 110 kN/m2 and saturated unit weight of 19.5 kN/m3. A stiff soil
layer exists 5 meters below the toe of the slope. A potential toe circle with radius of
20 meters passes the coordinate of (25m, 10m). The toe is at the origin (0, 0).
(1) Determine the factor of safety along the assumed slip circle using the analytical
mass method.
(2) Determine the minimum factor of safety of the slope using Taylor’s chart.

Solution:
Given: undrained clayey slope, Hc = 10 m,  = 40,  = 19.5 kN/m3, cu = 110 kN/m2,
assume  = 0

(1)

Use AutoCAD, the circular failure surface is drawn, using the two points on the circle
and R = 20m. The location of center of the circle, centroid and area (A) of the failure
portion can be found. Then, find  = 85 = 1.48 rad, and l = 5.88 m, A = 161.67 m2. The
AutoCAD drawing is shown above.

Use Equation (5.49), the factor of safety along the potential slip circle using the analytical
mass method is:
M R cu R 2q 110 ´ 25 2 ´ 1.48
FS = = = =
MD W ×l 161.67 ´ 19.5 ´ 5.88 5.49
(2) The depth of a stiff soil layer from the top of the slope is: ndHc = 10+5=15 m, and Hc
= 10 m, so nd = 1.5.
From the Taylor’s chart in Figure 5.9, use nd = 1.5 and  = 40 and use interpolation to
find Ns  5.85.
From Equation (5.42), find the mobilized undrained shear strength is:

gsat H c 19.5 ´ 10
su(mob) = = =33.3 kN/m 2
Ns 5.85

cu 110
FS = =
su(mob) 33.3
Then: = 3.3 >1.5

The slope is stable.

8. A natural slope is shown in Figure 5.41. It contains two soil strata. The slope
configuration and the soil characteristics are shown in the figure. A potential toe
circle with radius of 70.0 m passes the coordinate of (65m, 30m). The toe is at the
origin (0, 0).
(1) Determine the average cohesion, friction angle, and unit weight of the slope and
foundation soils.
(2) Determine the factor of safety of the slope along the assumed failure circle.
(3) Determine the minimum factor of safety of the slope, using Taylor’s chart.

(65m, 30m)

Clayey sand
γ 1 = 18.0 kN/m3
c'1 = 20 kN/m2 H = 18 m
H = 30 m ϕ ’1 = 38°

Sandy clay
40°
γ 2 = 19.5 kN/m3
(0, 0) c'2 = 60 kN/m2
ϕ ’2 = 15°

Figure 5.41 Slope profile of Problem 8

Solution: not provided.

9. A homogeneous silty sand embankment is built on soft clay. The soil profile is shown
in Figure 5.42. A potential critical slip surface is also shown.
(1) Use the ordinary method of slices to determine the FS on the assumed failure
plane.
(2) Use Bishop’s simplified method of slices to determine the FS on the assumed
failure plane, and compare the FS with the one obtained in (1).
 (3) Calculate the average cohesion, friction angle, and unit weight of the slope and
foundation soil.
(4) Use Taylor’s chart to determine the minimum FS of the slope using the
parameters obtained in (3).

(10m, 75m)

(85m, 45m)

Silty sand
γ 1 = 18.5 kN/m3 H = 45 m
c1 = 0 kN/m2
ϕ 1 = 40°
40°
(0, 0)
Weak clay layer
γ 2 = 19.0 kN/m3
c2 = 60 kN/m2
ϕ 2 = 0°

Figure 5.42 Slope configuration of Problem 9

Solution:

(1) The ordinary method of slices is used.

The factor of safety is:

n n
æ c¢b ö
å Mr å çè cosai +Wi cos a i tanf ¢÷
ø
i
FS = i=
n
1
= i=1 n
å Md å ( Wi sin a i )
i=1 i=1

The following figure shows the assumed failure circle. The slope is divided into 11 slices.
For easy calculation, the bottom of each slice should be entirely in one soil stratum. The
widths of the slices can vary. AutoCAD is used to obtain the area, angle i, width, and
centroid of each slice. The following table lists the parameters of the slices that are used
in the calculation of the FS.
Calculations using the Ordinary Method of Slices
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)
Slice Slice c¢bi
Slice area in area in Total Slice +
αi   bi  Wi sinαi  cos a i
number Layer Layer area Weight 
1 2 Wi cos a i tanf¢
2
(m ) (m2) (m2) (kN/m) (deg) (m) (kN/m) (kN/m) 
1 124.67 0 124.67 2306.33 56.9 11.37 1932.05 1056.84
2 254.07 0 254.07 4700.27 46.2 10 3392.47 2729.81
3 343.98 0 343.98 6363.66 36.9 10 3820.87 4270.11
4 366.70 0 366.70 6784.04 28.6 10 3247.47 4997.91
5 124.57 0 124.57 2304.49 23.2 3.63 907.83 1777.33
6 196.81 7.47 204.28 3782.85 19.4 6.37 1256.52 405.28
7 240.23 35.44 275.67 5117.52 13.5 10 1194.66 617.05
8 156.32 52.63 208.94 3891.75 6.3 10 427.06 603.65
9 77.93 76.57 154.50 2896.61 -1.4 13.29 -70.77 797.45
10 0 43.18 43.18 820.44 -10.4 10 -148.11 610.02
11 0 17.51 17.51 332.77 -16.9 10 -96.74 627.08
Σ 15896.32 18492.52
 n n æ c¢b ö
å M r å çècosai +Wi cos a i tan f¢÷
ø 18492.52
i
FS = i=
n
1
= i=1 n
= =
15863.32
å Md å ( Wi sin a i )
i=1 i=1 1.17

(2) Use Bishop’s simplified method of slices.

The factor of safety is:

n
é 1 ù
å ê( c¢bi + Wi tanf¢) m ú
FS = i=1 ë n
i û

å ( Wi sin a i )
i=1
tanf ¢sin a i
mi =cos a i +
FS

The same failure surface and slices are used as in solution (1). Using trial-and-error and
an assumed FS of 2.42, the calculations in are prepared in the following table. It is noted
that columns (1) to (8) are the same as in Table in solution (1) (ordinary method of
slices).

Calculations using Bishop’s simplified method of slices

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
Slice Slice mi
Slice area in area in Total Slice 1
# Layer Layer area Weight 
αi   bi  Wi sinαi  ( c¢bi +Wi tanf ¢) m
i
1 2
2
(m ) (m2) (m2) (kN/m) (deg) (m) (kN/m) (kN/m) 
1 124.67 0 124.67 2306.33 56.9 11.37 1932.05 0.836 2111.90
2 254.07 0 254.07 4700.27 46.2 10 3392.47 0.942 3820.68
3 343.98 0 343.98 6363.66 36.9 10 3820.87 1.008 4836.77
4 366.70 0 366.70 6784.04 28.6 10 3247.46 1.044 4978.03
5 124.57 124.57 2304.49 23.2 3.63 907.83 1.056 1672.15
6 196.81 7.47 204.28 3782.85 19.4 6.37 1256.52 0.943 4415.84
7 240.23 35.44 275.67 5117.52 13.5 10 1194.66 0.972 5879.99
8 156.32 52.63 208.94 3891.75 6.3 10 427.06 0.994 4519.04
9 77.93 76.57 154.50 2896.61 -1.4 13.29 -70.77 1.000 3694.93
10 0 43.18 43.18 820.44 -10.4 10 -148.11 0.984 1444.17
11 0 17.51 17.51 332.77 -16.9 10 -96.74 0.957 974.87
Σ 15863.32 38348.37
 n é 1ù
å êë( c¢bi +Wi tan f¢) m úû 38348.37
i
FS = i=1 n
= =
15863.32
å ( Wi sin a i )
i=1 2.42 (equal to the assumed FS)

The FS (2.42) obtained using Bishop’s simplified method of slices is larger than the FS
(1.17) using the ordinary method of slices.

(3) From the method of slices charge, find:

1 = 75.8 and 2 = 14.2.

Also, c1 = 0, 1 = 40; c2 = 60 kN/m2, 2 = 0.

Σ ( δ i c i ) ( 75 .8×0+14 .2×60 )
c av = = =9 . 47 kN/m 2
Σδ i ( 75. 8+14 . 2 )

Σ ( δ i ϕi ) ( 75 .8×40+14 .2×0 )
ϕ av= = =33 . 7∘
Σδ i ( 75 .8+14 .2 )

The average unit weight uses layer thickness as a weighting factor:

gav =
å ( g h ) =( 18.5 ´ 45 +19.0 ´ 5.78) =18.56 kN/m
i i 3

åh i ( 45 + 5.78)
Note: the thickness of layer 2 “within” the failure portion can be measured using
AutoCAD and is 5.78 m.

(4) Given: Hc = 45 m,  = 40,  = 18.56 kN/m3, c = 9.47 kN/m2,  = 33.7.

The following table is developed for the iterative calculation.

Taylor’s chart for c  , use trial-and-error approach to find FS

gH gH
m tan f Ns = c cm = c c
FSf = cm Ns FSc =
(assumed) tan fm cm
(from Figure 5.10) (kN/m2)
10 3.78 10.2 81.9 0.11
15.6
15 2.49 53.5 0.176
(use extrapolation
21
25 1.43 39.8 0.23
(use extrapolation)
The above table shows that the FS and FSc do not converge. In fact, when a slope
overlies a weak foundation of clay with  = 0, Duncan and Wright (2005) suggested the
above averaging procedures shall not be used. With a foundation soil of  = 0, the critical
circle usually extends below the toe into the foundation. If using the above procedure, a
non-zero  would be produced for the foundation soil, resulting in a different and
erroneous location of the critical failure surface. To resolve this, Duncan and Wright
(2005) suggested the shear stress on an approximate slip surface in each layer be first
calculated using:

t i =ci + s i(av) tanfi

where:
s i(av) is the average normal stress on the slip surface in layer i.

45
σ 1( av )=18 . 5× =416 .25 kN/m 2
For layer 1: 2
t1 =cu(1) =c1 + s 1(av) tan f1 =0 + 416.25´ tan 40 =349.27 kN/m 2
5 .78
σ 2( av )=18 . 5×45+19× =887 . 41 kN/m 2
For layer 2: 2
t2 =cu(2) =c2 + s 2(av) tan f2 =60 +887.41´ tan 0 =60 kN/m 2

i is treated as the undrained shear strength su(i) for the layer. Then, Equation (5.69) can be
used to obtain the equivalent average undrained shear strength for the entire slope and
foundation:

Σ ( δ i c i ) ( 75 .8×349 .27 +14 . 2×60 )

c av = = =303 . 6 kN/m 2
Σδ i ( 75 . 8+14 . 2 )

Then, the slope and foundation are taken as a homogeneous undrained slope and Taylor’s
chart (Fig 5.9) for undrained clay with  = 0 is used to obtain FS.

The assumed failure surface extends 5.78 m below the toe, so:
45+5 . 78
nd = =1 .13
45 (use 1.2)

 = 40

Find Ns  6.0.
From Equation (5.42),

g H 18.56 ´ 45
su(mob) = av c = =139.2 kN/m 2
Ns 6.0
 cav 303.6
FS = = =
Then: su(mob)139.2 = 2.18 > 1.5
It is noted that the obtained FS is between the factors of safety using the Fellenius method
and the Bishop simplified method of slices.

10. A homogeneous natural slope is 20 m high. The same type of soil extends to great
depth. The slope angle is 35 degrees. The effective cohesion is 60 kN/m 2, the
effective internal friction angle is 25 degrees. The bulk density is 1800 kg/m 3. Use
Bishop’s simplified method of slices to determine the minimum factor of safety,
using:
(1) One slope circle.
(2) One toe circle.
(3) One deep-seated, mid-point circle.

Solution: Not provided.

11. A natural slope is 35 meters high and the slope inclination is 2(H):1(V). The slope’s
properties are: c = 50 kN/m2,  = 25, and  = 19.0 kN/m3. No firm layer was
encountered beneath the slope during the subsurface investigation. Downward steady
seepage that is parallel to the slope surface occurs in the slope. The average pore
water pressure ratio for the slope was determined to be 0.4.
(1) Use Bishop-Morgenstern method to determine the minimum factor of safety (FS)
for the slope.
(2) Use Spencer charts to determine the FS.
(3) Use Michalowski charts to determine the FS.

Solution:
Given: H = 35 m, slope inclination 2:1 and find slope angle  = 26.6,  = 19.0 kN/m3, c
= 50 kN/m2,  = 25, ru = 0.4.

(1) Use Bishop-Morgenstern method and consider the effect of pore pressure.

c¢ 50
= =0.075
g H 19.0 ´ 35 , it is between 0.025 and 0.05.

Given the slope inclination of 2:1,  = 25, and average pore pressure ratio ru = 0.4,
the following trial-and-error approach is used to find the minimum FS:
 From Table 5.6(d): assume a failure surface passes D = 1.00:
m = 1.872, n = 1.386. FS =m - nru =1.872 - 1.386 ´ 0.4 =1.318
 From Table 5.6(e): assume a failure surface passes D = 1.25:
m = 2.004, n = 1.641. FS =m - nru =2.004 - 1.641 ´ 0.4 =1.348
 From Table 5.6(f): assume a failure surface passes D = 1.50
 m = 2.308, n = 1.914. FS =m - nru =2.308 - 1.914 ´ 0.4 =1.542

Therefore, the minimum FS = 1.31 and the bottom of the critical failure surface is at the
same level as the toe (D = 1.0).

(2) Use Spencer chart and consider the effect of pore pressure

ru = 0.4 is between 0.25 and 0.5. The factor of safety for ru = 0.25 and ru = 0.5 are
determined first. Then linear interpolation is used to determine the FS for ru = 0.4. Using
the approach in Figure 5.19, the following tables are developed.

Determination of FS for ru = 0.25

tan f¢ c¢
Fassume F assume = Fcalculate
tan fm¢ F g H (from Figure 5.18b)
m using
1.5 17.3 0.052 1.44
1.48 17.5 0.05 1.50
1.49 17.4 0.051 1.47
Choose FS = 1.48

Determination of FS for ru = 0.5

tan f¢ c¢
Fassume Fassume = Fcalculate
tan fm¢ F g H (from Figure 5.18c)
m using
1.5 17.3 0.082 0.91
1.2 21.2 0.069 1.09
1.15 22.0 0.066 1.14
Choose FS = 1.14

Use linear interpolation, FS at ru = 0.4:

0.4 - 0.25
FS =1.48 - ´ ( 1.48 - 1.14 ) =
0.5 - 0.25 1.27

(3) Use Michalowski charts

ru = 0.4 is between 0.25 and 0.5. The factor of safety for ru = 0.25 and ru = 0.5 are
determined first. Then linear interpolation is used to determine the FS for ru = 0.4.

c¢ 50
= =0.161
g H tan f¢ 19 ´ 35 ´ tan 25 o ,  = 26.6

F
From Figure 5.20(d), using linear interpolation, find: tan f¢ =3.5.
So: 1.63 for ru = 0.25.

F
From Figure 5.20(f), using linear interpolation, find: tan f¢ =2.5.
So: 1.16 for ru = 0.5.

Use linear interpolation, FS at ru = 0.4:

0.4 - 0.25
FS =1.63 - ´ ( 1.63 - 1.16 ) =
0.5 - 0.25 1.34

12. A sandy soil embankment is 10 meters high and the slope inclination is 2(H):1(V).
The slope’s properties are: c = 0 kN/m2,  = 30, and  = 19.5 kN/m3. A firm layer
exists 5 meters beneath the toe of the slope. The average pore water pressure ratio for
the slope is 0.25.
(1) Use Bishop-Morgenstern method to determine the minimum factor of safety (FS)
for the slope.
(2) Use Spencer charts to determine the FS.
(3) Use Michalowski charts to determine the FS.

Solution:
Given: H = 10 m, slope inclination 2:1 and find slope angle  = 26.6,  = 19.5 kN/m3, c
= 0,  = 30, ru = 0.25.

(1) Use Bishop-Morgenstern method and consider the effect of pore pressure.
c¢
=0
gH

From Table 5.6(a), for all values of D (that is, for all potential failure surfaces), find m =
1.155, n = 1.444. m and n are for the critical failure surface.

The minimum FS =m - nru =1.155 - 1.444 ´ 0.4 =0.57 <1.0. The slope will fail.

(2) Use Spencer chart and consider the effect of pore pressure

c¢
=0
Given: ru = 0.25, F g H , and slope inclination = 2:1, from Figure 5.18(b), find
required m = 35.

So: 0.82 < 1.0. The slope will fail.

(3) Use Michalowski charts
c¢
=0
Given: ru = 0.25 , g H tan f¢ ,  = 26.6
F
From Figure 5.20(d), using linear interpolation, find: tan f¢ =1.7.
So: 0.98 < 1.0. The slope will fail.

13. A rapid drawdown is needed for a reservoir. The side slope for the reservoir is 84-
meter high, its cohesion is 62 kN/m2, the internal friction angle is 25 degrees, and the
saturated unit weight is 18.5 kN/m3. The inclination of the slope is 3:1 (H:V). Assume
the initial water level is at the top of the side slope; a 42-meter drawdown is needed.
Determine the factor of safety of the side slope under the rapid drawdown condition.

Solution:
Morgenstern charts for rapid drawdown are used.
c¢ 62 c¢ c¢
= =0.04 =0.025 =0.05
g H 18.5 ´ 84 is between 0.025 and 0.05. FS for g H and g H
c¢
=0.04
are first determined, then linear interpolation is used to find FS for g H .
L 42
= =0.5
Drawdown ratio: H 84

c¢
=0.025
Use Figure 5.23(b), for g H and given  = 25, find FS = 1.3.
c¢
=0.05
Use Figure 5.24(b), for g H and given  = 25, find FS = 1.6.
c¢ 0.4 - 0.25
=0.04 FS =1.6 - ´ ( 1.6 - 1.3) =
For g H 0.5 - 0.25 1.42 < 1.5

14. A rapid drawdown is needed for a reservoir. The side slope for the reservoir is 80-
meter high and its inclination is 2:1. The slope’s properties are: c = 40 kN/m2,  =
30, and  = 20 kN/m3. The initial water level is at the top of the side slope. In order
to maintain a factor of safety of 1.5 for the side slope, what is the maximum
drawdown depth (L)?

Solution:
Morgenstern charts for rapid drawdown are used.
c¢ 40
= =0.025
g H 20 ´ 80
 L
=0.2
Use Figure 5.23(a), and given  = 30 and FS = 1.5, find drawdown ratio: H
So, the maximum drawdown depth L = 0.2  80 = 16 m