Analysis of slope stability using limit equilibrium methods :

Abstract

Lime stone extraction has been practiced in the Eastern region of Uganda especially Tororo district. The method of mining used is quarrying. however, this forms a hanging wall of about 91m high. which may become unstable with time. Therefore, slope stability analysis was performed to assess the slope deformation. state of stresses at critically instable failure zones: different failure modes and safe & functional design of excavated slopes using the Limit Equilibrium -method. The purpose of slope stability analyses by Limit equilibrium is not only to assess the overall stability of retaining wall, but also including redesign and reduce on the hanging wall of Tororo cement Stone Quarry so as to reduce on chances of wall collapse, avail safe working conditions to workers. Slope/W and Seepage/W programs were used under Geo studio software to analyses ability of the slope. The research was aimed at study of stability of slopes using Limit Equilibrium Methods (LEM) at the same time study the different failure mechanism which may arise in the quarry. The purpose of this project is to assess the overall stability of retaining walls and redesign the quarry so as to reduce on chances of slope failure to avail safe working conditions to workers and machines. Based on parametric studies it can be concluded that. slope angle plays a major role on slope stability, Safety factor varied from 0.77 to 1.53 for varying slope angle of 35 0 to 750 Also increasing the. height of the slope, decreased the factor of safety indicating less stability. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain The slope angle not steeper than 55 degrees in the quarry. It's. also recommended that for improving the reliability of model results, calibrations of models with actual field conditions may be taken of through. piezometric monitoring and measurement of slope moments in varying geo-mining condition at different quality sites.