ISSN: 1304-7191 | E-ISSN: 1304-7205
Static and dynamic slope stability analyses based on finite elements method: The example of Birecik Slopes
1Department of Civil Engineering, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, 63510, Türkiye
2Department of Map Engineering, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, 63510, Türkiye
Sigma J Eng Nat Sci 2025; 43(6): 2213-2233 DOI: 10.14744/sigma.2025.1937
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Abstract

This study examines slope stability along a critical section of the Birecik coastal road in Şanlıurfa province, Turkey, known for its challenging terrain characterized by frequent segregations, low soil strength, and steep slopes near the Euphrates River. The research focused on assessing landslide risks and proposing mitigation measures to ensure safety for pedestrians and vehicles. Because the coastal road is heavily used and is stuck between the slopes and the Euphrates River. Initially, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights were used to create a three-dimensional model of the slope. On-site observations identified a critical section and a critical two-dimensional section obtained on the three-dimensional model using ArcGis10. Given the presence of nearby structures at the tip of the slope, ten adjacent structures were simulated using static and dynamic analyses to assess their impact on stability under poten-tial future urban development scenarios. Stability analyses were conducted without structures initially and then with simulated structural loads applied as linear loads at the sloping tip and specific distances behind it. For dynamic analyses, Sivrice Earthquake (24.01.2020) parameters were used. For analysis, Plaxis two dimensional was used, and the strength reduction method was used based on the finite element method (FEM). This study revealed factors of safety, shear forces, and displacements, and the static and dynamic analysis results were compared. Results showed that horizontal displacements increased under earthquake conditions with minimal changes in safety factors. However, the slope is unsafe with a minimum factor of safety of 1.199 for static and 1.190 for dynamic analysis by affecting structural load at the tip of the slope. Also, results showed that for this model, the main reason that causes slope failure is structural load. For this study, the most remarkable result is that the dynamic shear stresses are lower than static shear stresses, while the dynamic displacements are higher than static displacements. The results show that plain strain or two-dimensional analyses are unreliable.