Length of Slip Arc Formula:
Definition: The length of the slip arc is the curved distance along which potential failure may occur in a soil mass, calculated based on resisting moments and soil properties.
Purpose: This calculation is crucial in slope stability analysis to determine the critical failure surface in soil mechanics.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the arc length where shear resistance balances the driving forces along a potential failure surface.
Details: Accurate calculation helps engineers design stable slopes, retaining structures, and foundations by identifying potential failure surfaces.
Tips: Enter all required parameters including resisting moment, radius, normal components, friction angle, and cohesion. The tolerance field (default ±5%) provides a range estimate.
Q1: What is a typical range for angle of internal friction?
A: For soils, φ typically ranges from 0° (pure clay) to 45° (dense gravel).
Q2: How is resisting moment determined?
A: Resisting moment is calculated from soil shear strength along the potential failure surface.
Q3: Why include a tolerance percentage?
A: The tolerance accounts for uncertainties in soil parameters and calculation assumptions.
Q4: What if I get a negative result?
A: Negative values indicate calculation error - check your input parameters for validity.
Q5: How does unit cohesion affect the result?
A: Higher cohesion values result in shorter calculated slip arcs, indicating more stable conditions.