Three‐Dimensional Stability Analysis of Concave Slopes in Plan View

This paper proposes a simple, practical method of three‐dimensional stability analysis for concave slopes in plan view using the equilibrium concept. The force equilibrium and the moment equilibrium conditions over failure mass are satisfied in the analysis. The results obtained using this three‐dimensional method show that the stability of concave slopes in plan view increases as the relative curvature radii R0/H0 decrease, and the influence of plan curvature on the stability of concave slopes in plan view changes when the lateral pressure coefficient of soil Ka is different. When the ratio R0/H0 is relatively small, the slip surface passes not through the toes of concave slopes in plan view, but above them. Finally the results obtained through this three‐dimensional method for a straight slope under six different conditions are compared with the results calculated through six two‐dimensional methods.