Stability of natural and man-made slopes, cuts and excavations. Methods of rock and soil slope stability analysis. Effects of water. Shear strength selection for stability analysis. Static and seismic conditions.

At the completion of the course students will have gained the following knowledge and skills:
• Identification of landslide kinematisms and related tools of analysis
• Methods of slope stability analysis for static and seismic loading conditions
• Selection of appropriate shear strength parameters

Applied geology; Soil mechanics; Rock Mechanics; Hydraulics

A. Classification and description of kinematisms and causes of movement
I. Natural and Artificial Slopes
II. Identification and classification of slope movements
III. Description of different kinematisms
IV. Landslide triggering mechanisms

B. Methods of stability analysis
I. Rockfall: factors affecting the process and analysis of motion.
II. Soil slope stability analysis: The limit equilibrium method. The infinite slope. The methods of slices. Drained and Undrained conditions. Shear strength parameters.
III. Rock slope stability analysis: Planar failure, Wedge failure, Toppling failure.
IV. Analysis of earthquake effects on slope stability

Exercises and practical examples are presented and developed by the instructor and students.

• Landslides: Investigation and mitigation Transportation Research Board, National Academy Press, Washington, 1996.
• Rock Slope Stability Analysis, Giani G.P., Balkema, Rotterdam, 1993
• Rock Slope Engineering, Duncan & Christopher, based on the Hoek E. & Bray J.W. 3rd ed., London, 4th edition Spon Press- Taylor & Francis Group

The texts, equations and figures shown with PPT during lectures will be available on the course web site

Written test (2 hours) consisting of 2 exercises. Score: 12
Oral discussion consisting of 2 analytical demonstrations. Score: 16
Two homeworks assigned in class are due prior the end of the course. Score: 2