One simplified method for seismic stability analysis of an unsaturated slope considering seismic amplification effect

Abstract

Seismic amplification effect in soil slope is not considered by traditional Newmark method; therefore, there will be some deviation in soil slope seismic stability analysis. In order to determine the effect of seismic amplification effect, a simplified method for unsaturated slope stability evaluation is proposed by coupling the Sweden slice method and Newmark method. Research results show that the seismic amplification effect has a great influence on yield acceleration of the slope while it exerts a little influence on critical slip surface shape; if the seismic amplification effect is not considered, permanent displacement of the slope will be underestimated, and there is potential danger in seismic design of slope engineering. Finally, an unsaturated slope model with 1:20 scale is designed through derivation of similarity law, and progressive failure process of the slope under seismic action is simulated. The results of our proposed method are in good agreement with experimental results, which proves the feasibility of our proposed method. This study can provide a simple and reliable method for evaluating the seismic stability of an unsaturated slope.