An Integrated Methodology for Displacement-Based Seismic Design of Homogeneous Slopes

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated methodology for displacement-based seismic design of homogeneous slopes under typical surcharge loading and slope inclination conditions. Charts developed over the basis of dimensionless parameters are given for both selection of the static safety factor of the slope and determination of the corresponding critical pseudo-static acceleration coefficient in the seismic case. In addition, graphs based on the well-known Newmark’s sliding block method are proposed for estimation of slope displacements as a function of the critical seismic coefficient. For this purpose, a series of strong ground motion records from two major Chilean earthquakes grouped by soil conditions were utilized. In this way, a simple and rational design procedure can be followed in order to integrate the desired static safety factor of the slope, the amount of seismic displacement judged to be allowable, and the minimum stability requirements for the slope in the seismic case. The proposed methodology can be used in both preliminary calculations and rapid engineering analyses of homogeneous slopes located at sites with similar seismic characteristics to the Chilean subduction zone.