Critical sliding surface location method for anisotropic slope based on anisotropic yield criterion and optimization algorithm

In slope stability analysis, identifying the critical slip surface has always been a complex challenge. This study proposes a method to determine the critical slip surface of heterogeneous slopes while accounting for anisotropy. This method is grounded in a generalized soil anisotropic constitutive model and establishes a global equilibrium framework. It integrates global optimization techniques and employs the well-established Morgenstern-Price method to formulate the optimization objective function. The reliability, applicability, and stability of the method are demonstrated through comparative analysis with the results of two classical slope cases and the improved log-spiral limit equilibrium method. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of anisotropy-related parameters on the stability of heterogeneous slopes, providing new insights into how anisotropy influences slope stability and failure mechanisms.