Print this page An Introduction to Slope Stability and Protection
J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A., Fellow ASCE, Fellow AEI
Course Outline
1. INTRODUCTION
2. TYPES OF FAILURES
3. METHODS OF ANALYSIS
4. TRANSLATIONAL FAILURE ANALYSIS
5. REQUIRED SAFETY FACTORS
6. EARTHQUAKE LOADING
7. EFFECTS OF SOIL PARAMETERS AND GROUNDWATER ON STABILITY
8. BIBLIOGRAPHY
9. GLOSSARY
10. SYMBOLS
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Learn modes of slope failure;
- Learn about the effects of soil or rock type on slope failures;
- Learn how to analyze slopes for failure risk;
- Learn the Simplified Bishop Method for slope analysis;
- Learn about slope stability charts, including rotational failure in cohesive soils;
- Learn about translational failure analysis methods;
- Learn the effects of soil parameters and groundwater on slope stability;
- Learn about stability problems in special materials; and
- Learn about stabilization structures such as piers and retaining walls.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for civil and geotechnical engineers and other infrastructure design and construction professionals who want to learn about the basic technology, design guidelines and materials and equipment used for analysis of slope stability and protection methods.
Benefit for Attendee
This course will give engineers and others an introduction to methods of analyzing stability of natural slopes and safety of embankments.
Course Introduction
This course will introduce you to basic considerations when addressing both natural and embankment slopes for stability and protection.
About Course Author
Paul Guyer is a registered mechanical engineer, civil engineer, fire protection engineer and architect with over 35 years experience in the design of buildings and related infrastructure. For an additional 9 years he was a senior-level advisor to the California Legislature on infrastructure and capital outlay issues. He has designed and supervised the design of hundreds of construction projects requiring the preparation of detailed working drawings and specifications for federal, state and local public agencies and private companies. He is a graduate of Stanford University and has held numerous national, state and local positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
An Introduction to Slope Stability and Protection
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Course Summary
Upon completion of this course you will have an understanding of the approach to analysis of natural and embankment slopes for stability, and you will learn about methods of slope protection.
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.
