MAXIMUM-LIKELIHOOD-ESTIMATION OF SLOPE STABILITY

Simple new empirical equations have been proposed for direct estimatio n of the safety factor for circular (for dry and wet slopes) and wedge (for dry slope) failure of slopes. These new equations for estimation of slope safety factor are obtained using the maximum likelihood esti mation method of statistics. 23 dry (13 failed and 10 stable) and 23 w et (16 failed and 7 stable) case studies of circular failure and 14 dr y (8 failed and 6 stable) cases of wedge failure data were collected. Good agreement is seen to exist between the safety factors predicted b y the new equations and those obtained using the limit equilibrium met hod.