Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 10
Q &
GLOBAL/SLOPE
STABILITY ANALYSIS
THE GEOSYNTHETIC
INSTITUTE ANSWERS
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Q: My question stems from the fact that (in
my area) there still seems to be confusion
over when a global/slope stability analysis is
required and who is responsible. A contractor
might ask for some budget pricing for
retaining wall design. Generally, this is in
regards to a segmental retaining wall design.
The challenging part is that I believe the
global/slope stability is the responsibility
of the project geotechnical engineer, so I
wouldn't include this as part of our scope. We
would only do internal design checks. I make
sure they are aware of this, and this seems
to be the norm from what I understand.
However, I wanted to get a better feel to
see if there was a different understanding
of this situation. Also, please advise when
a global/slope stability might be required
(really any code requirements and software
recommendations for the calculations).
A (a): A geotechnical engineer is responsible
for global stability analysis (GSA). Global
stability analysis is often described in
terms of the factor of safety against failure
along a failure surface. The factor of safety
is defined as the ratio of the soil shear
strength (resistance) to driving shear stress
A
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acting along the failure surface. The analysis
is a crucial part of the design process
for mechanically stabilized earth (MSE)
structures. It should be done in all cases and
particularly when there is a boring taken
(i.e., a geotechnical engineer is involved)
and plans and specifications are stamped.
In addition, whenever the groundwater
is within 0.66H of the bottom of the wall,
2/3 of the wall height, GSA needs to be
done. This will ensure an adequate factor
of safety exists for deep failures that pass
behind the geosynthetic reinforcement and
for compound failures that pass partially
through the reinforced zone.
A (b): All walls need global stability analysis.
From experience, we have seen relatively low
walls (about 4 feet [1.2 m] tall) fail and cause
much loss, risk and damage.
A (c): We have always used the computer
codes from ADAMA Engineering Inc., www.
GeoPrograms.com or adama@GeoPrograms.
com. ADAMA's ReSSA, MSEW and ReSlope
computer codes are excellent and highly
recommended and will incorporate global
stability analysis in the total design package.
Please note that you will have to supply the
proper input for the design to be relevant.
10
Geosynthetics | February March 2024
http://www.geosyntheticsmagazine.com/
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Geosynthetics February/March 2024
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics February/March 2024
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - Cover1
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - Cover2
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 1
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 2
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 3
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 4
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 5
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 6
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 7
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 8
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 9
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 10
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 11
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 12
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 13
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 14
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 15
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 16
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 17
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 18
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 19
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Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 21
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 22
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 23
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Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 41
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 42
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 43
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - 44
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - Cover3
Geosynthetics February/March 2024 - Cover4
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