Three-Dimensional Stability of Slopes

Michalowski and Drescher analyse three‑dimensional stability of slopes using upper‑bound plasticity methods. They derive 3D failure mechanisms and closed‑form expressions for the factor of safety, highlighting when 3D effects lead to higher or lower stability compared with equivalent 2D sections. Parametric charts are presented for a range of slope geometries and strength conditions, giving practical tools for preliminary 3D assessment.