Numeric Analyses on the Sliding Mechanism of an Unsaturated Laterite Slope Based on FEM

Matric suction is one of important factors that have effect on the stability of an unsaturated soil slope. This article discusses the instability mechanism of an unsaturated laterite slope by using strength reduction finite element method that may take the matrix suction into consideration. Research results show that the safety factor of the laterite slope reduces gradually along with the reduction of the matric suction. When the matric suction is lost, the safety factor is less than 1.0 and a local sliding surface generates on the upper section of the laterite slope.