Cut slope stability assessment along forest roads using the limit equilibrium approaches and Slide software

Abstract

Calculating the factor of safety (FS) as slope stability factor is necessary to prevent environmental damage. Therefore, this paper aims to (i) calculate FS using the limit equilibrium approaches and Slide software and (ii) investigate the stability of slopes according to calculated FS (Janbu and Bishop methods) and status of different sites in the study area (Hyrcanian forest of Iran). Six landslides were selected along the forest road by a field survey. Landslide dimensions including length, width, and height were measured using meters. Slope gradients were measured using the Suunto clinometer. The Slide software was used to evaluate the stability analysis of slopes. According to laboratory tests on soil samples the average of the liquid limit was recorded as 58%. The results of the direct shear test showed that the rate of soil cohesion (c) and coefficient of friction angle (φ) decreased with an increase in moisture content. According to the results, the factors of safety for landslide sites (Sites 1–6) were calculated to be 1.3, 0.65, 0.76, 0.55, 1.19 and 1.51, respectively. These calculated FS can accurately determine the slope status in terms of slope stability. According to the software classification, the status of Site 1 is “susceptible to landside”. Sites 2, 3 and 4 are “very high risk”. Also, the status of Sites 5 and 6 are “high risk” and “stable”, respectively. The instability of the slopes in studied sites is related to the drainage system (lack of culverts or ditches) as well as marlstone as bedrock. According to the calculated FS in different sites and comparison of the obtained results with the real conditions of sites, it can be concluded that the slope stability analysis in the Slide software is very accurate and it can be used to determine the factor of safety under different conditions in terms of morphology, hydrology and soil mechanics.