Earthquake Effects on Slope Stability by Using Finite Element Method. Case Study: Brazzaville City, Republic of Congo

Abstract

The slopes are affected by the variations of slope gradient combined with the driving forces including external actions such as earthquake forces, producing shear stresses in the slopes, which are opposed to the soil shear resistance. Therefore, landslides are one of the most important worries on the social and economic viewpoint and for the quality of life of a local people. The present study is carried out in Brazzaville City, Republic of Congo where the region in its southern part is recognised to be geologically active, due to its tectonic background which has some influence on surrounding slopes or embankments. Then, it was used the shear strength reduction method to assess the slopes stability by using pseudo-static and static methods. Effects of various parameters on slopes stability are discovered by achievement of numerous analyses. Two magnitudes effects of earthquake on slopes stability for different height, slope gradient and shear resistance parameters were assessed by using the finite element code. Slope stability was evaluated considering its factor of safety from the usage of strength reduction method.