Geotechnical analysis of slopes and landslides - achievements and challenges

This paper is concerned with the major achievements in geotechnical slope analysis and the challenges for further advancement in the 21stcentury. New developments of great value have occurred over the past few decades for carrying out both site-specific and regional studies. These include advanced limit equilibrium methods, sophisticated stress deformation analysis, seismic analyses, applications of GIS, probabilistic approaches, advanced geological modeling (2D and 3D) and knowledge-based methods of predicted performance and decision-making. Outcomes of slope analysis are enhanced by advances in observational methods including real-time or continuous field monitoring of slope performance. One of the challenges is to further understand the causes and mechanisms of failure in order to minimize future losses through efficient hazard and risk management of which slope analysis is a vital part. Climate change will present long-term challenges associated with more unfavorable conditions for slope stability. Innovative engineering solutions will be required for better risk management. In turn, such solutions will require substantial progress in slope analysis in the context of multidisciplinary studies