ABSTRACT
Stability of structures such as embankments, dams and natural riverside slopes are hampered due to the seismic loading. To evaluate the seismic effect on the stability of slopes is a major concern in the field of geotechnical engineering. Two-dimensional limit equilibrium method (LEM) is a common approach for analyzing slope stability. Usually LEM is used to find out potential failure mechanisms and factors of safety for the slopes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of seismic loading on the stability of Mahananda River Embankment of Bangladesh by using LEM. The Bishop, Spencer, Fellenius, Janbu and Morgenster-price simplified methods were used for LEM. To conduct the study three locations of Mahananda River Embankment were selected. Soil properties were obtained from laboratory testing. The numerical analysis was carried out using geotechnical software GEO5 which is generally used for analyzing LEM based slope stability problems. From the analysis, it was noted that the factors of safety decreased with the increase of horizontal seismic coefficient for the slopes. The horizontal seismic coefficient alone affects the stability of slope severely than the combined effect of horizontal and vertical seismic coefficient. The results concluded that the present condition of the Mahananda river embankment is stabilized under seismic loading.
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