• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.115-122
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• 2005

In this paper, a new method composed of discrete element method and genetic algorithm has been introduced to estimate the safety factor and search critical slip surface on slope stability analysis. In case of estimating the safety factor, conventional methods of slope analysis based on the limit equilibrium do not satisfy the overall equilibrium condition; they must make assumptions regarding the inclination and location of the interstice forces. An alternative slope analysis method based on the discrete element method, which can consider the compatibility condition between force and displacement, is presented. Real-coded genetic algorithm is applied to the search for the minimum factor of safety in proposed analysis method. This search method is shown to be more robust than simple optimization routines, which are apt to find local minimum. Examples are also shown to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.