Stability Analysis Of Clay Slope Based On Fracture Mechanics

The stability of soil slope is the key problem in the engineering area, now the problem is mostly analyzed by use of the basic continuum mechanics. But these methods can be applied based on the shape of the slip surface, the assumption of the slip surface and the force have some arbitrariness, and take no account of the influence of the crack. The research object of the fracture mechanics is the one in which there are some cracks, the slope with cracks is exactly this object, so stability of slope can be analyzed by the fracture mechanics.First, the fracture criterion of the soil must be established. According to the former experiment data and empirical formula, the fracture criterion and crack angle formula which is suitable for model I - II of clay are acquired.Secondly, fracture criterion and the crack angle formula are used to analyze the stability of clay slope. First, the place which is easy to crack has been found. Second, the critical crack length has been acquired. Third, an initial crack has been set in the place which is easy to crack, the length of the crack must be equal to the critical crack length, then simulate the process of crack expands, until the crack expands out of the slope, the track of crack is the slope's most dangerous slip surface.Then, the stability of clay slope which is affected by rain has been analyzed. First set a critical line in the slope, above this line the influence of rain is taken account of and under this line the influence is neglected. After that, the place which is easy to crack; the critical crack length and the most dangerous slip surface of the slop can be found.Finally, compare the result of this paper with that of the slope software, it shows that it is practical to analyze the stability of clay slope by fracture mechanics.The fracture criterion of clay model I - II is the foundation of the fracture mechanics, which is used in soil. The place which is easy to crack; the critical crack length and the most dangerous slip surface of the slop can be found, it can help the engineering designers to analyze the stability of slope and deal with the problems of the slope. So the research of this paper have theory meaning and application value.