Generalized method for three-dimensional slope stability analysis

This paper describes an extension of a new three-dimensional (3D) stability analysis method, including formulation, comparative studies, and examples of new application. The new method uses "two-directional force and moment equilibrium" in the stability analysis of 3D potential failure mass with arbitrary shapes. The use of this new method has resulted in a novel situation wherein the direction of the resultant shear force (or direction of sliding) generated on the potential failure surface can now be calculated instead of the guesswork assumptions that were formerly made. It is also demonstrated that this new method eliminates the labor-intensive work for establishing local coordinate systems performed in conventional 3D analysis. Consequently, this new method facilitates a computer-aided 3D search for the critical failure surfaces in slope areas.