Analytical study of seismic slope behavior in a large-scale shaking table model test using FEM and MPM

Seismic safety of slopes is generally estimated through stability analysis using a simplified conservative approach or Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis approach, focusing on the conditions of slopes before slope failure. However, it is also important to understand the conditions of slopes after slope failure. Accordingly, the authors carried out a series of shaking table tests with large-scale slope models. The models consist of a model with weak layer and a model which has high response acceleration at top of the slope. Results from the tests indicated that it is important to consider large deformation along slip lines in the weak layer and amplification and phase lag of response acceleration at the top. The one layered slope model was analyzed by FEM with a nonlinear model as a constitutive law focusing on the amplification and phase lag of response acceleration at top of model. Both slope models were analyzed by Material Point Method (MPM). Consequently, the same trend of the amplification and phase lag of response acceleration and failure patterns as that seen at the shaking table test was obtained by the FEM or MPM.