Global Stability Analysis Methods, Common Pitfalls, and Strategies for Successful Performance-Video

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Video Summary

Zachary Boswell discusses common pitfalls in geotechnical slope-stability analyses and ways to improve reliability. He outlines limit-equilibrium methods, noting that Spencer and Morgenstern–Price methods are generally more versatile than simplified Bishop, particularly for complex geometries and non-circular slip surfaces. Reliable results depend on sound inputs: combine laboratory and in-situ data, account for groundwater and loading conditions, and use more data when applying complex soil models. Verify models by comparing results across programs or independent analyses.<br /><br />Key pitfalls include models too narrow to capture the critical slip surface, relying only on circular searches, and using inadequate or poor-quality soil samples. Case studies show that expanding model boundaries or considering non-circular failures can reduce calculated factors of safety. Sample disturbance can also significantly underestimate soil strength. For critical projects, sensitivity and probabilistic analyses help quantify uncertainty and failure risk. The amount of investigation and review should increase with project risk and complexity.

Keywords

geotechnical slope stability

limit equilibrium methods

Spencer method

Morgenstern-Price method

soil sampling quality

probabilistic analysis