Assessment of Slope Stability: Design of slopes and retaining structures

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will have:

• Knowledge of the main analytical methods (e.g. wedge analysis, infinite slope assumption, Newmark’s method) for the assessment of slope stability
• Knowledge of the main numerical methods (e.g. Limit Equilibrium Methods, Finite Element Method) for the assessment of slope stability
• Knowledge of Eurocode 7 for the assessment of slopes, open pit mine pitwalls, excavations and their design.
• Knowledge of the effect of tension cracks, hydraulic conditions and seismic action on slope stability
• Knowledge of the role of material properties (soil and rock unit weight and strength parameters), and geometric parameters (slope height and inclination) for slope stability
• Knowledge of the main types of failures occurring in tailing dams and their causes
• Fluency in analytical methods (e.g. wedge analysis, infinite slope assumption, Newmark’s method) for slope stability assessment
• Fluency in numerical methods (e.g. Limit Equilibrium Method, Finite Element Method) for slope stability assessment
• Fluency in problem solving and application of appropriate analytical and numerical techniques for the design of mine pitwalls and cuttings
• Fluency in the application of Eurocode 7 to assess the stability of slopes and design slopes
• Fluency in the use of slope stability charts

Course Agenda

Teaching on this module will include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Problem solving
• Sessions small group teaching
• Computer software exercises
• Coursework

For more information on this course, please contact llahub@newcastle.ac.uk or enquire here