Slope stability analysis application of a static discrete element method

This paper presents a static discrete elements method for stability analysis of slopes. The slope is discretized into a series of blocks and the equilibrium of the individual blocs as well as the displacement compatibility between blocks are satisfied. The usual assumptions on interslice force distribution and constant factor of safety made in traditional methods of slices are not used. The method is also not constrained by the evaluation of stability along a predetermined critical surface. The failure surface is determined from the displacement field for the slope. However, a factor of safety can be obtained if the method is applied to a predetermined failure surface. The method is evaluated in the analysis of two slides in overconsolidated clay in which progressive failure was a large factor.