Slope Stability Analysis by the Limit Equilibrium Method: Fundamentals and Methods presents basic principles for the safe design of constructed or natural earth slopes. The limit equilibrium method is the most common approach for analyzing slope stability in both two and three dimensions. This method identifies potential failure mechanisms and derives factors of safety for a particular geotechnical situation. It is an appropriate choice for assessing the stability of retaining walls, shallow and deep foundations, earth and rock dams, surface mining sites, and potential landslides.

The fundamentals of slope stability encompass slope movements and methods for stability analysis, mechanics of slope failure and factors of safety, laboratory and field methods to determine the shear strength of soils, estimation of phreatic surfaces, and remedial measures for correcting slides. Methods of stability analysis cover simple formulas for determining the factor of safety for plane failures, stability charts, methods of slices for two-dimensional analysis, three-dimensional analysis techniques, and reliability of slope design.

An appendix provides a preview of a companion product, LEAME Software and User’s Manual: Analyzing Slope Stability by the Limit Equilibrium Method, a computer program for performing the slope stability analysis presented in this work (available from American Society of Civil Engineers).

The clear presentation of the principles of slope stability analysis ensures that this work will be a frequently consulted reference for practicing engineers. The wealth of worked examples and problem sets make this a suitable textbook for senior and graduate students in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering.