Improvement of the kinematic bound for the stability of a vertical cut-off (Q1911091)

The classical problem of the stability of a vertical soil cut-off under its own weight is investigated. The constituent soil is assumed to be homogeneous, and its strength properties are defined by a Mohr-Coulomb criterion of cohesion and friction angle, or by a Tresca criterion of cohesion. First, the kinematic approach of the yield design theory is briefly recalled. Then, the failure mechanisms, that will be implemented in order to improve the upper bound estimate for the problem, is described.