Lei, Abraham and Zheng evaluate the classical Swedish circle method by comparing its simplified statics with shear and normal stress distributions obtained from numerical stress analyses. They show that the method’s assumptions about interslice forces and circular geometry can misrepresent actual stress fields, particularly in steep or stratified slopes and in soils with anisotropic strength. The paper highlights conditions where Swedish slip-circle analyses may under- or over-estimate stability and recommends more rigorous limit-equilibrium formulations when stress conditions are complex.
