Delimitation of safety zones by finite element analysis

This paper deals with the determination of safety zones and local minima by using finite element analysis. Used is made of finite element method in order not to constraint the analysis by neither the assumptions in the location of the sliding surface nor in the interslice force function. It is known, that only the most critical failure mechanism and global minimum are evaluated by the strength reduction method, in such approach local minima most of the time are unnoticed. Here, it is proposed that the safety zones and the local minima can be detected by keeping the information generated in the strength reduction process. In addition, the importance of soil properties in the location of the failure mechanism is highlighted. The methodology is presented in an artificial case study and in a real natural slope. The safety zones should be considered in landslide stabilization and remediation.