Element Integration Method for upper bound limit analysis

A numerical method based on the upper bound limit theorem, entitled Element Integration Method, is proposed for slope stability analysis. A soil slope is discretized into small triangular elements, within which a kinematically admissible velocity field is postulated to be independent of the element mesh. The discretization facilitates the calculation of the work done by external loads and internal energy dissipation within an element. A single-wedge failure mechanism is assumed for the slope. Its factor of safety can be obtained by solving the energy-work balance equation. The minimum factor of safety is determined through optimization. The proposed method is verified by several documented examples.