Limit analysis of the stability of slopes reinforced with anchors

SUMMARY An approach based on the category of upper bound theorem of limit analysis is proposed in this article to consider the reinforcing effect of one row of anchors on slope stabilization. The shear strength reduction technique is used in the determination of the safety factor of the slope. The effect of anchor reinforcement is assumed to be an external axial force applied on the slope, and in the formulas of kinematic limit analysis, the work rate done by the anchor can be calculated. So, the stability analysis can be conducted without any assumptions on the acting position and decomposition of the axial force of anchors. Results were compared with those obtained using both the limit equilibrium method and numerical method. A parametric study was carried out to illustrate the effect of anchor orientation and position on slope stabilization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.