Purpose: to assess the stability of the earthfill slopes of the main canal sections using a simplified analytical methodology and the results of numerical modeling in the GEO5 software package.
Materials and methods. The paper considers five typical canal sections, differing in the eathfill geometry, the physico-mechanical soil properties of the earthfill body and the protective rockfill. An analytical technique has been applied to obtain a solution for the slope stability coefficient. To compare the results, numerical modeling was performed in the GEO5 Slope Stability software package with the determination of the stability coefficient using six different methods (Bishop, Fellenius – Petterson, Spencer, etc.).
Results. Analytical and numerical methods have established that the largest overstability is typical for the third and fourth sections (stability coefficient up to 1.95), while the slopes of the first, second and fifth are in a state close to the limit equilibrium (stability coefficient ≈ 1.0–1.1). It is revealed that the arrangement of a rockfill on the main canals without a geotextile layer leads to a decrease in the stability coefficient in all areas, since in this case the rockfill acts as an additional load, increasing shearing forces, and not as a reinforcing element. The discrepancy in the results of the analytical solution and numerical modeling did not exceed 3 %, while the Fellenius – Petterson method showed the lowest values.
Conclusions. The simplified analytical methodology has confirmed its adequacy for a preliminary assessment and identification of areas with insufficient stability. To ensure a normative stability coefficient (stability coefficient ≥ 1.25) in dangerous sections of canals, it is recommended to increase the laying of slopes, adjust the rockfill parameters, use geotextile materials for reinforcement, which will compensate for the negative impact of the steepness and weight of the protective layer, ensure the joint operation of structural elements and prevent the destruction of slopes.
doi: 10.31774/2712-9357-2026-16-2-291-317
main canal, earthfill, slope stability, rockfill, geotextile, numerical modeling
Talalaeva V. F., Baev O. A., Garbuz A. Yu. Modeling the earthfill slope stability of the main canal. Land Reclamation and Hydraulic Engineering. 2026;16(2):291–317. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.31774/2712-9357-2026-16-2-291-317.
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