A homogeneous silty sand embankment is built on soft clay. The soil

profile is shown in Figure 5.42. A potential critical slip surface is also

shown.

(1) Use the ordinary method of slices to determine the FS on the

assumed failure plane.

(2) Use Bishop’s simplified method of slices to determine the FS on the

assumed failure plane and compare the FS with the one obtained

in (1).

(3) Calculate the average cohesion, friction angle, and unit weight of

the slope and foundation soil.

(4) Use Taylor’s chart to determine the minimum FS of the slope using

the parameters obtained in (3) (Figure 5.42).