• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.545-560
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• 2014

For slope stability analysis, an alternative to the classical limit equilibrium method (LEM) of slices is the shear strength reduction method (SRM), which can be integrated into finite element analysis or finite difference analysis. Recently, probabilistic analysis of earth slopes has been very attractive because it is capable to take the soil uncertainty into account. However, the SRM is less commonly extended to probabilistic framework compared to a variety of probabilistic LEM analysis of earth slopes. To overcome some limitations that hinder the development of probabilistic SRM stability analysis, a new procedure based on recursive algorithm FORM with sensitivity analysis in the space of original variables is proposed. It can be used to deal with correlated non-normal variables subjected to implicit limit state surface. Using the proposed approach, a probabilistic finite element analysis of the stability of an existing earth dam is carried out in this paper.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.31-40
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• 2017

The slope stability analysis by the limit equilibrium method has the disadvantage that it can be applied only when the analysis is performed by setting the critical plane after analyzing the active surface many times and the soil is uniform and only the safety factor can be calculated. However, the analysis using the strength reduction analysis method has advantages that the engineer can judge various aspects and calculate the safety factor. In this study, the safety factor according to the change of slope and shear strength was compared and analyzed using limit equilibrium analysis and strength reduction method. It is suggested that it is desirable to use the strength reduction method which can synthetically review the stress, displacement, and strain in the soil.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.346-355
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• 2019

When evaluating pillar stability in very closely spaced tunnels, a local safety factor (strength/stress ratio) at the minimum width has been widely used. Tension bolts have been frequently applied as reinforcement for the cases where safety factors are less than 1.0 from FEM stress analysis. However, the local safety factor shows a constant value irrespective of the change in pillar width/tunnel diameter (PW/D) and the safety factor of the pillar is underestimated because the variation of deviation stress is relatively small even when the pre-stressing is applied to the tension bolt. In addition, the average safety factor proposed by Hoek and Brown(1980) was reviewed, but the pillar safety factor was relatively overestimated when the width of the pillar was increased. As an alternative, the SRM safety factor using shear strength reduction method shows the effect of changing the safety factor in the case of no reinforcement and tension bolt reinforcement as the pillar width/tunnel diameter(PW/D) changes. The failure shape is also similar to the previous limit theory result. In this study, the safety factor was evaluated without considering rock bolt and shotcrete to distinguish reinforcing effect of tension bolt.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.289-300
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• 2020

With the rapid development of the distributed strain sensing (DSS) technology, the strain becomes an alternative monitoring parameter to analyze slope stability conditions. Previous studies reveal that the horizontal strain measurements can be used to evaluate the deformation pattern and failure mechanism of soil slopes, but they fail to consider various influential factors. Regarding the horizontal strain as a key parameter, this study aims to investigate the stability condition of a locally loaded slope by adopting the variable-controlling method and conducting a strength reduction finite element analysis. The strain distributions and factors of safety in different conditions, such as slope ratio, soil strength parameters and loading locations, are investigated. The results demonstrate that the soil strain distribution is closely related to the slope stability condition. As the slope ratio increases, more tensile strains accumulate in the slope mass under surcharge loading. The cohesion and the friction angle of soil have exponential relationships with the strain parameters. They also display close relationships with the factors of safety. With an increasing distance from the slope edge to the loading position, the transition from slope instability to ultimate bearing capacity failure can be illustrated from the strain perspective.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2017

In this study, the stability of trench slope was analysed in summer and winter seasons for the construction of pipelines in permafrost regions. The construction standards of Korea, Russia and UK were compared for obtaining an optimum trench shape for a pipeline of 30 in. diameter. Using the geotechnical properties of soil in Yakutsk (Russia), the stability of trench slope was analysed using Strength Reduction Method (SRM) according to the horizontal slope angle values of $0^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ}$, $20^{\circ}$ and $30^{\circ}$ and vertical slope angle values of $20^{\circ}$, $30^{\circ}$ and $40^{\circ}$. In both seasons, an increase in the slope angle results in a decrease in the factor of safety. The results show that horizontal slope angle of $30^{\circ}$ was not safe in summer season. At the vertical slope angle of $20^{\circ}$, trench side failure was observed, whereas, ground slope failure was observed at the vertical slope angles of $30^{\circ}$ and $40^{\circ}$. Due to the solidification of pore water at temperatures below $0^{\circ}C$, cementation of soil particles take place. Therefore, the trench slope was found to be stable in the winter season at all vertical and horizontal slop angles, except for special load cases and abrupt temperature changes.