Analysis of stability-deformation properties of a cut slopes under seismic effects

This thesis investigates the seismic slope stability of a critical cut slope segment (Km 13+580) along the Palu-Beyhan-Gökdere Highway in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, a region known for high seismic activity. Utilizing finite element analysis with PLAXIS 2D software to model the slope geometry and soil properties. The Hardening Soil small-strain (HS small) model is utilized to accurately capture the nonlinear soil behavior, particularly under dynamic loading. Appropriate boundary conditions and ground motion data from the PEER ground motion database are incorporated into the analysis. The study evaluates the slope's stability and displacement under seismic loading. The data for field studies conducted by an existing project, including geotechnical surveys and soil sampling, were used to inform the model parameters. Static and dynamic analyses are employed to understand failure mechanisms. The static analysis assesses current slope stability, while the dynamic analysis identifies critical areas susceptible to failure during earthquakes. Findings show the Km 13+580 slope is susceptible to significant displacements and stress concentrations under earthquake loads, potentially leading to slope failure. Based on these results, the study proposes mitigation measures to reduce the risk of failure, ensuring highway safety and reliability. This includes enhancing the existing successful soil nail design, demonstrably reducing deformation compared to the previous condition.