Abstract
In response to the growing need for statistical information regarding slope stability risk analysis, this work applies inferential analysis to a compiled database of 157 failed slopes and corresponding 301 safety factor (SF) calculations. As presented in the companion paper, this database also includes a number of slope stability factors, including analytical method used, stress approach (effective versus total), assumed slip surface geometry, slope type, applied correction factors, and soil Atterburg limits. Although the SF data were found to be fairly well fit by a lognormal distribution, pronounced curvature of the residuals was observed, likely related to various unaccounted slope factors. In response, inferential statistics are used in this paper to analyze the effects of analytical method, slope type, soil plasticity, and effective versus total stress analysis. ANOVA hypothesis testing indicated significant differences between analytical methods and significant interactions between slope types and pore-water stress approaches. Direct SF calculation methods, such as infinite slope, wedge, and the ordinary method of slices were found to produce SF near 1 as expected, but higher order methods in general, and force methods in particular, predicted safety factors significantly greater than 1. Clay content alone was not a discernible influence on SF calculations. A reduced factor ANOVA model was developed to predict SF, given analytical method (a main effect) and the interactions between analytical method with both slope type and pore-water pressure approach.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 471-482 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering |
| Volume | 137 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - May 10 2011 |
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Keywords
- Dam failures
- Data analysis
- Data collection
- Embankment stability
- Landslides
- Limit equilibrium
- Risk management
- Slope stability
- Slopes
- Stability
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Science(all)
- Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
Cite this
Meta-analysis of 301 slope failure calculations. II : Database analysis. / Travis, Quentin B.; Schmeeckle, Mark; Sebert, David M.
In: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 137, No. 5, 10.05.2011, p. 471-482.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Meta-analysis of 301 slope failure calculations. II
T2 - Database analysis
AU - Travis, Quentin B.
AU - Schmeeckle, Mark
AU - Sebert, David M.
PY - 2011/5/10
Y1 - 2011/5/10
N2 - In response to the growing need for statistical information regarding slope stability risk analysis, this work applies inferential analysis to a compiled database of 157 failed slopes and corresponding 301 safety factor (SF) calculations. As presented in the companion paper, this database also includes a number of slope stability factors, including analytical method used, stress approach (effective versus total), assumed slip surface geometry, slope type, applied correction factors, and soil Atterburg limits. Although the SF data were found to be fairly well fit by a lognormal distribution, pronounced curvature of the residuals was observed, likely related to various unaccounted slope factors. In response, inferential statistics are used in this paper to analyze the effects of analytical method, slope type, soil plasticity, and effective versus total stress analysis. ANOVA hypothesis testing indicated significant differences between analytical methods and significant interactions between slope types and pore-water stress approaches. Direct SF calculation methods, such as infinite slope, wedge, and the ordinary method of slices were found to produce SF near 1 as expected, but higher order methods in general, and force methods in particular, predicted safety factors significantly greater than 1. Clay content alone was not a discernible influence on SF calculations. A reduced factor ANOVA model was developed to predict SF, given analytical method (a main effect) and the interactions between analytical method with both slope type and pore-water pressure approach.
AB - In response to the growing need for statistical information regarding slope stability risk analysis, this work applies inferential analysis to a compiled database of 157 failed slopes and corresponding 301 safety factor (SF) calculations. As presented in the companion paper, this database also includes a number of slope stability factors, including analytical method used, stress approach (effective versus total), assumed slip surface geometry, slope type, applied correction factors, and soil Atterburg limits. Although the SF data were found to be fairly well fit by a lognormal distribution, pronounced curvature of the residuals was observed, likely related to various unaccounted slope factors. In response, inferential statistics are used in this paper to analyze the effects of analytical method, slope type, soil plasticity, and effective versus total stress analysis. ANOVA hypothesis testing indicated significant differences between analytical methods and significant interactions between slope types and pore-water stress approaches. Direct SF calculation methods, such as infinite slope, wedge, and the ordinary method of slices were found to produce SF near 1 as expected, but higher order methods in general, and force methods in particular, predicted safety factors significantly greater than 1. Clay content alone was not a discernible influence on SF calculations. A reduced factor ANOVA model was developed to predict SF, given analytical method (a main effect) and the interactions between analytical method with both slope type and pore-water pressure approach.
KW - Dam failures
KW - Data analysis
KW - Data collection
KW - Embankment stability
KW - Landslides
KW - Limit equilibrium
KW - Risk management
KW - Slope stability
KW - Slopes
KW - Stability
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79955768356&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=79955768356&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000463
DO - 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000463
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:79955768356
VL - 137
SP - 471
EP - 482
JO - Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering - ASCE
JF - Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering - ASCE
SN - 1090-0241
IS - 5
ER -