Length of Slip Arc Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the length of the slip arc in soil mechanics based on the factor of safety, tangential and normal components, angle of internal friction, and unit cohesion.
Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers analyze slope stability and potential failure surfaces.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the critical length of a potential slip surface considering both cohesive and frictional resistance.
Details: Accurate slip circle analysis helps prevent slope failures, ensures structural stability, and guides proper engineering design.
Tips: Enter all required parameters. The ±5% indicates the typical measurement tolerance. All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is a typical factor of safety for slopes?
A: Common values range from 1.3 to 1.5, depending on consequences of failure and certainty of parameters.
Q2: How is the angle of internal friction determined?
A: Through laboratory tests like direct shear or triaxial tests on soil samples.
Q3: What affects unit cohesion in soils?
A: Soil type, moisture content, density, and stress history primarily influence cohesion.
Q4: Why use circular slip surfaces?
A: Circular surfaces often represent the critical failure mechanism in homogeneous soils.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: Results are theoretical; field conditions may vary. Always include appropriate safety margins.