Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software

This study conducted a rigorous comparative analysis of the Slide 2D (based on the Limit Equilibrium Method, LEM) and Plaxis 2D (based on the Finite Element Method, FEM) software packages to evaluate slope stability and validate methodological consistency in geotechnical engineering. The main objective was to determine whether a correlation exists between the Safety Factors (FS) calculated by these two tools, which possess distinct theoretical foundations. A series of typical slope cases, varying in geometry and soil properties, was modeled in both software environments. Statistical analysis revealed a remarkably significant correlation, with a coefficient of approximately 0.999, between the Safety Factors provided by the two tools. This strong relationship allowed for the establishment of a simple linear conversion equation that can be used to estimate the FS from Plaxis 2D based on the value obtained from Slide 2D. This equation confirms that, despite their fundamental differences, both tools yield comparable and reliable stability assessments under standard conditions. In conclusion, the ability to translate and validate results from one software to the other offers engineers and researchers greater confidence in the use and verification of landslide risk assessment results. Nevertheless, the crucial recommendation remains: it is imperative to choose the appropriate tool based on the intrinsic complexity of the geotechnical problem (presence of excessive deformations, staged construction analysis) and the specific parameters requiring modeling, with the FEM remaining the preferred option for the most complex or non-linear analyses.