Scope of strength reduction for inhomogeneous slopes

At present, the researches on the stability of slopes by strength reduction technique mainly refer to homogeneous slopes. However, for the inhomogeneous slopes, some problems should be taken into consideration, such as the scope of strength reduction, global or local region? Therefore, on one hand, the program code of global/local strength reduction method is compiled based on the criterion of the iteration non-convergence by FISH language embedded in the FLAC3D, which can automatically search the safety factor. On the other hand, the program code of global/local strength reduction method is compiled based on the criterion of uncontrolled displacement at a certain characteristic node on the slope surface, which can draw the curve of displacement-reduction factor used for the estimation of the safety factor. Furthermore, its validity is demonstrated through comparative studies for a typical example. Finally, an inhomogeneous slope is analyzed based on the proposed program. The results show that the safety factors of the inhomogeneous slope solved by these two methods are not always equal and that the safety factor computed by the global strength reduction method is more reasonable and precise. It is advised that the global strength method should be better than the local strength method when the inhomogeneous slope is analyzed.