Finite element analysis of slope stability problems in two and three dimensional cases

In this study, FE analysis were carried out by using the FEM program PLAXIS in unreinforced and reinforced model slope. The analysis were conducted 2D and 3D under planestrain conditions. Factor of safety was obtained for the unreinforced case. For reinforced case, the effects of the parameters including the depth, lenght, number of the geogrid layers and the vertical depth between the layers were investigated and optimum parameters were obtained.Also in this study, the ultimate bearing capacity of shallaw foundations on unreinforced and reinforced sand slopes were investigated using the FEM program PLAXIS. The analysis were conducted 2D and 3D under plane-strain conditions. Effects of the different depth of the geogrid layers were investigated and optimum parameters were obtained. By using the optimum parameters, the analysis were carried out for the different slope angle, the size of the footing and the type of the geogrid layer. Analysis results were compared with the results of the model tests (Keskin 2009).