Many construction projects involve the creation of new slope profiles, whether cut into natural ground or created using engineered fill. The change from a natural to modified state may render the slope susceptible to ground movement through a variety of potential failure mechanisms.

In most cases it is imperative to design the new profile to a site-specific Factor of Safety to ensure that the new slope will be stable under long-term conditions as well as in the short-term state, as the soil properties modify in response to changes in ground conditions.

Stability analyses may be performed for an actual or proposed slope using the Oasys Slope ® programme. Soil properties such as undrained shear strength, angle of internal friction, soil type and unit weight are determined experimentally using site investigation techniques, and are then used to model the stability of the ground profile. The Factor of Safety for a given slope profile may then be determined under a wide range of conditions, including variations in groundwater height, potential surcharging, and timescale.

TSL provides an experienced approach to slope design and stability analysis, amassed through experience over a number of years. Projects previously completed range from major projects such as reservoir design and quarry slope stability analysis, to domestic projects such as swimming pools and garden landscaping.