GIS-based three-dimensional slope stability limit equilibrium method and application

GIS(geographical information system),with its capacities range from conventional data storage to complex spatial analysis and graphical presentation,is becoming a powerful tool for geotechnical engineers.In this study,combining the GIS grid-based data with four proposed column-based 3D slope stability analysis models,a GIS extension,3DSlopeGIS,has been developed to implement the algorithm in which all the input data are in the same form of GIS dataset.Some widely addressed examples have been evaluated and an actual 3D slope problem has been analyzed.The results show the correction and usability of this GIS-based tool for assessing the 3D stability of a slope.