Homework - Important Details of Stability Analysis
Start with the standard Excel input template:
Solve using the XSLOPE Google Colab notebook for stability analysis:
Complete the following two problems:
Problem 1 - Global Minimum Factor of Safety
Consider the following slope:
Do the following:
1) Create the inputs for the problem using the XSLOPE input template. Extend the profile lines to x = -60 ft on the left and x = 100 ft on the right.
2) Find the global-minimum factor of safety by trying several different starting locations for the automated search. Save your Excel input file and a PNG of the solution.
Problem 2 - Tension Cracks
Consider the following slope:
Do the following:
1) Create the inputs for the problem using the XSLOPE input template. Extend the profile lines to x = -60 ft on the left and x = 100 ft on the right.
2) Then compute a solution for the following three conditions (save each version to a different file name):
a) As-is with no tension crack. Save your input file (XLSX) and a copy of your solution (PNG).
b) Note that you have tension in the active zone. Use a spreadsheet to estimate the appropriate depth for a tension crack using the equations we discussed in class using an estimated factor of safety. Enter this tension crack depth on the main sheet and recompute the factor of safety. Adjust the depth of the crack up and down until you find a depth that is just on the threshold of eliminating tension. Save a copy of the Excel file with your tension crack calculations. Save your input file (XLSX) and a copy of your solution (PNG).
c) Fill your tension crack with water (enter the water level on the main sheet) and iterate again. Save your input file (XLSX) and a copy of your solution (PNG).
Submission
Zip up all four Excel input files, the four PNG solutions, and the spreadsheet with your tension crack calculations into a single zip archive. Upload your zip archive via Learning Suite.
Grading Rubric
Total: 30 points
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Problem 1: XSLOPE model setup | 5 |
| Problem 1: Multiple search locations attempted | 3 |
| Problem 1: Global minimum FS found | 4 |
| Problem 2a: As-is solution | 5 |
| Problem 2b: Tension crack depth determination | 6 |
| Problem 2b: Iterative adjustment and new FS | 3 |
| Problem 2c: Water-filled crack solution | 3 |
| Documentation quality | 1 |