Numerical investigation of the slope stability under the rainfall infiltration of different intensities and duration using finite element code

Abstract

This research presents a numerical analysis using the two-dimensional finite element code, PLAXIS 2D, to explore the impact of rainfall infiltration on slope stability through a fully coupled deformation flow analysis. In the numerical model, the soil is represented as an elastic-perfect plastic material, and its shear strength is modeled using the Mohr-Coulomb model. Using the 2D finite element method, the study explores the combined effects of varying rectilinear slope geometries, soil types, rainfall intensities, and durations on slope stability. Diverse slope configurations with significant variations in slope height and angle were considered. The results imply that the stability of the slope is significantly influenced by both the rainfall intensity and duration. Moreover, the influence of rainfall duration and intensity on slope stability is more pronounced for clayey soil and slopes with a steep angle. The findings of this study will provide guidelines to engineers in assessing the potential risk of slope failure under varying rainfall intensities and durations.