Application of numerical procedures to slope stability analysis

the limit equilibrium procedures based on the assumption of rigid, perfectly plastic material behaviour, and b) the elasto-plastic approaches. The methods belonging to the first group provide only an estimation of the collapse load for the slope, while those of the second group are able to evaluate the progressive deformation of the soil/rock mass, and the variation of effective and neutral stresses, up to failure. Advantages and shortcomings of the two mentioned classes of procedures will be discussed with reference to engineering problems and/or case histories. After presenting an application oflimit equilibrium methods to the analysis of a reinforced earth wall, the discussion is focused on the elasto-plastic finite element approaches and, in particular, on the choice of the constitutive model for the soil/rock mass