Abstract
This study analyzes the stability of embankment slopes with inclined interlayers and vertical tensile cracks at the crest under saturated conditions. This study first establishes a composite failure mechanism based on a finite element limit analysis; then, it derives an upper-bound solution formula for stability considering pore water pressure; and finally, it verifies the rationality of the method through case comparisons. This study finds that an increase in crack depth (Hc) causes the crack initiation position to approach the crest edge, while increases in the slope angle (β), pore water pressure coefficient (ru), and interlayer embedment depth (d) lead to the opposite trend. Both the stability number (γH/c1) and safety factor (Fs) decrease with the increase in the slope angle, pore water pressure coefficient, and crack depth, and they increase with the enhancement of relative soil strength and the increase in interlayer embedment depth. When cracks exist at the crest, the influence of pore water pressure on the sliding surface is diminished, while decreasing the cohesion ratio of interlayer to embankment slope soil (c2/c1) expands the range of the critical sliding surface.