Slope Stability Assessment

What is Slope Stability Assessment?

This page is not intended to be a substitute for professional geotechnical advice and should not be relied on as geotechnical advice by individuals or other professionals to make site-specific decisions. Always seek advice from professional geotechnical engineers.

Slope stability assessment is a critical aspect of civil and geotechnical engineering, which involves the analysis of the potential stresses that a slope can withstand before failing. This type of analysis is a prerequisite for any construction or infrastructure project that involves slopes, such as roads, embankments, dams, and excavated slopes. The primary objective of slope stability analysis is to evaluate the soil mechanics of the slope in question and develop an effective plan for future stabilisation efforts.

Slope Stability Analysis

Slope Stability Analysis

Depending on the scope of the project, slope stability or landslide hazard assessment may be included as part of the site investigation. This analysis can help to identify potential indicators of the future slope instability.

Several factors may be evaluated during slope stability assessment, including the following:

Topography: Assessing the slope’s height differences at all points in the terrain.

Material capacity: Determined by considering which building approach will be most suitable for the proposed slope.

Vegetation: Related to the area’s plants and grass contribution.

There are various methods for conducting slope stability assessment, including 3D and 2D numerical modelling. These methods are particularly useful when the slope has complex geometry, and the proposed design solutions need to be validated.

slope stability assessment

Following slope stability assessment, geotechnical engineers can provide expert advice on the necessary measures to ensure that the slope can withstand long-term pressures and climate conditions.

Looking for Geotechnical Experts?

Whether you’re working on basements, foundations or infrastructure projects, our team delivers solutions to suit your site conditions. With BHM Geotechnical, you can break new ground with confidence.Get in touch with our Sydney, Australia office to start planning your next Project!

cta-img

Drop us an inquiry

Have a question or need more information? Fill out the form below, and our expert team will get back to you as soon as possible to assist with your geotechnical needs.

    Have Questions? Let’s Clear Them Up

    • Slope stability analysis allows us to assess soil mechanics and plan for future stabilisation efforts.

    • This is determined by the design engineering team working on your project.

    • A variety of factors influence slope stability, these may include the following:

      • Strength of soil and rock;
      • Type of soil;
      • Groundwater; and
      • Angle of slope.
    • There are many causes to slope failure or a decrease in stability, this includes:

      • Erosion;
      • Rainfall;
      • Earthquakes;
      • External loadings; and
      • Other geological factors.
    • Methods to improve stope stability may include:

      • Changing the geometry of the slope;
      • Adding weights at the toe of the slope;
      • Lowering the groundwater table to reduce pore pressure; and
      • Adding retaining walls to increase slide resistance.

    Explore Our Other Services

    footer light shape