Abstract
The limit equilibrium method is applied to analyze the stability of rockfill embankments. The equations for the analysis of a bi-planar failure mechanism are initially derived, utilizing the critical acceleration factor as the criterion for stability. A computer algorithm is developed for assessing the stability of rockfill dams with either a central impervious core or a sloping upstream core. The program is then used to generate design curves in the form of contours of equal critical acceleration factor. These curves are valuable as design aids and are presented in a form amenable for the direct computation of the factor of safety, which is a more familiar parameter of stability analysis. Reliability theory is subsequently applied in the form of a second moment format, to compute the probability of failure of any rockfill embankment. The basic structural reliability approach is adapted to this situation, in order to comply with the configuration of the failure functions that are presented in the form of design curves. Strength parameters are characterized using three different density functions, to study the effect of truncation on the probability of failure of the system. The use of the logistic distribution is introduced, as a means of computing the failure probability of the structure without the aid of tables. The necessary parameters to compute both the factor of safety and its reliability, have been evaluated and are presented in graphical form, in terms of common design variables. The entire spectrum of practical combinations of geometries and strength parameters are covered by the study. Numerical examples included in Appendix E demonstrate the use of the method under both static and dynamic conditions.
Barbosa Levy, Miguel Rudy (1987). The safety and reliability of rockfill embankments. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -33869.