The applicability of 3D effects to pseudo-static design acceptance criteria: The recovery design for Wall 375

The legislated use of pseudo-static analysis in many jurisdictions mandates its continued application by practitioners. This paper offers guidance to slope stability practitioners on the use the method’s three-dimensional formulation to meet Design Acceptance Criteria. The paper demonstrates that three-dimensional seismic k-coefficients cannot be used as 1:1 substitutes to meet historically established DAC and presents a case for developing the correct equivalencies. The case study of the recovery design along Wall 375 along New Zealand’s State Highway No. 1 in the aftermath of the Kaikoura earthquake is used for illustrative purposes.