Probability Analysis of Embankments Stability Constructed on Stone Columns under Seismic Load

Abstract

Geotechnical engineers are usually interested in slope stability problems.  To increase the factor of safety (FOS) for slopes, different ways could be used such as retaining walls, stone column, and soil reinforcement. Using stone columns may be considered one of the alternative solutions for slope stabilization.  Analysis and design of slope are mainly depend on deterministic method. The FOS is usually chosen after understanding and knowledge soil parameters, problem geometry, method of analysis which causes a differ in FOS in view of designers. The inherent variability of soil characteristic considers that a slope stability problem is a probabilistic problem rather than deterministic problem. The objective of this research is to predict probabilistic approach for uncertainty in the slope stability analysis. This research is carried out on a hypothetical problem which includes a sensitive variability analysis. The computer program commercially named SLOPE/W is used in this research which adopted Monte Carlo method for probability simulation. The output results are presented as a form of a probability of slope failure. These results were found to be a butter index for slope stability compare to FOS because it provide a range of values of FOS rather than one. Also it is found that a reduction in the probability of failure in the order of about (41-100) % can be obtained when using two rows of stone columns in the embankment with two limits of standard deviation for static slope stability analysis, While the effect of seismic load on the probability failure reduction is in the order of about (26-56) % for the same conditions above of static case.