Print this pageGeotechnical Engineering Series - Slope Stability
Yun Zhou, Ph.D., P.E.
Course Outline
In this course, you need to review Chapter 6 – Slope Stability from “Reference Manual Volume I, SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS”, Publication No. FHWA NHI-06-088, by Federal Highway Administration of U.S. Department of Transportation.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
Upon completion of this course, the student will gain the following specific knowledge:
- General approach to slope stability analysis;
- Types of slope failure;
- Effects of water on slope stability;
- Design factor of safety;
- Infinite slope analysis;
- Infinite slopes in dry cohesionless soils;
- Infinite slopes in c-φ soils with parallel seepage;
- Circular failure surface analysis;
- Simple rule of thumb for factor of safety;
- Methods for slope stability analysis;
- Ordinary method of slices;
- Recommended stability methods;
- Slope stability design charts;
- Sliding block failure analysis;
- Computer software for slope stability;
- Embankment stability design solutions;
- Design approach for reinforced soil slopes;
- Improving the stability of cut slopes; and
- Practical methods for slope stability investigation, assessment, and reinforcement.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for geotechnical, civil, mining, structural, and environmental engineers, as well as design and construction personnel involved with the planning, design, and construction of earth slopes.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendee of this course will be able to understand and deal with issues associated with design and construction of earth slopes.
Course Introduction
This course starts with commonly encountered types of slope failures. Based on geotechnical and hydro-geotechnical characteristics of geo-materials of soil, rock, and water, the behaviors of slopes interacting with driving forces and resisting forces toward slope instability are explained in detail. Further, the principles and techniques of slope stability analysis are presented. From the theoretical considerations, practical approaches of slope design and instability mitigation are introduced. As a direct computer-aid design practice, software plays essential role in slope stability analysis. Computer programs to facilitate analysis and design are also presented and discussed.
Course Content
The associated course materials are contained in an Adobe Acrobat pdf format of Chapter 6 – Slope Stability from “Reference Manual Volume I, SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS”, Publication No. FHWA NHI-06-088, by Federal Highway Administration of U.S. Department of Transportation.
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Course Summary
This course, as a part of Geotechnical Engineering Series, covers basic theories, engineering evaluations, and practical approaches for design and mitigation of earth slopes.
Related Links
For additional information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
PDHonline Course C539 - Geotechnical Engineering Series – Shallow Foundations
PDHonline Course C540 - Geotechnical Engineering Series – Deep Foundations
PDHonline Course C541 - Geotechnical Engineering Series – Earth Retaining Structures
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
