Assessment of Slope Stability: Design of slopes and retaining structures

This module will introduce a range of topics, including:

  • The design and assessment of slopes, open pit mine pitwalls, excavations and tailing dams
  • The international standards which govern this field (Eurocode 7 and ICOLD bulletins)
  • The theories behind the assessment of the stability of slopes in rocks and soils
  • How to use stability charts and other methods to assess the stability of slopes

In this module you will:

  • Discover the methods used to assess slope stability, with an emphasis on Limit Equilibrium and Finite Element analyses
  • Learn about using Eurocode 7 for slope stability assessment and design
  • Assess slope stability in rocks and cohesive soils using stability charts
  • Learn how to design open pit mines pitwalls, with tutorials based on real-world examples
  • Consider the typical failure modes in tailing dams and soil liquefiability

    • Please register your interest with us and we will confirm any capacity restrictions associated with the course.

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

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