Stability analysis of double V-shaped gully embankment: dimension-reduced calculation method

Abstract

Slope stability is generally analyzed by a two-dimensional (2D) method, ignoring the spatial effect (SE), which no longer meets the evaluation accuracy requirement. This problem is particularly prominent for embankments built on double V-shaped gullies (E-DVSG), which is a typical but unique topography in mountainous areas. Moreover, the technical requirements for engineers will increase sharply if a three-dimensional (3D) slope stability calculation method is adopted. To tackle this issue, pragmatically, a dimension-reduced slope stability analysis method (DR-SSAM) considering the SE of the E-DVSG was proposed and verified by a case study. Specifically, the DR-SSAM obtained the 3D safety factor of the E-DVSG by using the spatial effect curves and the safety factor from the 2D model. The results showed that this method was rational and efficient for engineering applications. In addition, the SE generation mechanism and condition, along with the influences resulting from the major factors, were addressed thoroughly.