A comparison of limit equilibrium method of slope stability analysis with finite element modelling

Abstract

Stability analysis of slopes susceptible to different types of failures can be performed with different techniques. The selection of an appropriate technique is, therefore, very important in a process of slope stability evaluation. In this paper, slopes of a large surface iron ore mine was analyzed by limit equilibrium method and by finite element modelling. GALENA software was used for analysis by limit equilibrium method and ANSYS for finite element modelling (FEM). Factor of safety (FOS) was calculated by both the methods and they are compared for their applicability. Based on the results obtained by the analysis, conclusions were drawn on the application of these methods. It was found that FEM analysis gives factor of safety value which is found to be lesser than the values determined by limit equilibrium method. This is because it considers more parameters and performs a detailed analysis of stress and strain conditions in the strata under consideration.