Save $800 on EnFEM with the EnFEM + EnSlope bundle!
EnSlope is a simple, easy to use, 2D, slope-stability program based on the limit-equilibrium method. Engineers can create and run a slope-stability model in less than 10 minutes after following a few short tutorial videos. The speed buttons in the program are intuitive and make using EnSlope as easy as a few clicks of the quick-access buttons!
The new EnSlope software is based on enhancements of the methods for slope stability analyses established by the STABL series of programs, initially developed by Ronald A. Siegel at Purdue University in 1975. The original STABL has been available since 1976, with an open release from the Indiana Department of Highways. After its release in the open literature, the program was later adopted by many other agencies. Currently, the STABL programs are well accepted tools for analyzing the stability of slopes by various state highway agencies in the United States.
The original STABL programs were developed for mainframe computers and adapted to personal computers using a command-line format for data entry. The new EnSlope uses enhanced-graphics interface to implement pull-down menus, dialog boxes, option buttons, and grid-cells for data entry. The user may read information on the screen, then type input at the specified entry field. The entered data can be easily changed by moving the mouse to the location of a particular field. The graphics module allows the user to view failure surfaces, boundary lines, water surfaces, surcharge loads, and other features.
In addition, EnSlope allows the user to analyze a reinforced-earth slope as well as a slope stabilized by piles or drilled shafts. It also allows for the use of either English units (ft and lbs) or S.I. units (meter and kN). The program helps with unit conversions if the user selects to change from one system of units to the other.
EnSlope and EnFEM Bundle for Analyzing the Stability of Slopes
The current version of EnFEM includes a built-in Strength Reduction Method (SRM) for finite element slope stability analysis. With an import function, users can quickly import an EnSlope or UTEXAS4 data file and perform an SRM slope stability analysis within minutes. The critical slip surface develops automatically as shear strength decreases in the SRM stage. This is great tool to verify the critical slip surface obtained from EnSlope. It especially beneficial for non-circular failure surface.
When to use EnFEM for slope stability analyses?
(1) When the critical slip surface is complicated:
In this example, there is a stronger layer underneath a softer layer in this slope model. It is difficult to find an irregular slip surface with Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM).
Softer layer over a stronger layer
(2) When the safety factor is limited by soil-structure interactions:
In this example, as soil mass slides down slope and the concrete facing is held relatively in place by the tieback, a slip surface can develop between soil and concrete facing. LEM can’t consider this type of failure mechanism.
Slip surface formed between the wall and soil elements
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