Peak, Fully Softened, and Residual Shear Strengths for Slope Stability Analyses

Timothy D. Stark, Ph.D., P.E., BC.GE, Dist.M.

This presentation will discuss recent research on drained shear strengths for slope stability analyses. In particular, Dr. Stark will discuss the application, measurement, empirical correlations, and use of drained peak, fully softened,and residual shear strengths in static slope stability analyses. The presentation will use case histories to illustrate the applicable shear strength for typical slope stability applications. In addition, new fully softened and residual strength correlations will be presented that include standard deviation to facilitate calculation of the probability of failure in addition to a drained factor of safety.

About the speaker

Prof Timothy Stark

Timothy D. Stark, Ph.D., P.E., BC.GE, Dist.M. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Timothy D. Stark is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with an expertise in Geotechnical Engineering. Dr. Stark has received a number of awards for his activities including: 2024 Distinguished Member, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 2023 J.E. Jennings Award, South African Institution of Civil Engineering; 2023 Martin S. Kapp Memorial Lecturer, ASCE Metropolitan Section; 2022-2023 Cross-USA Lecturer, ASCE; 2022 T.H. Wu Lecture at The Ohio State University; 2019 George H. Norman Medal, ASCE; Best Paper in Geosynthetics International Journal, 2016; 2015 James M. Hoover Lecture at Iowa State University; Thomas A. Middlebrooks Award, ASCE, 2013 and 1998; Associate Editor Award, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, 2012; Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering Scholarly, Paper, ASCE, 2011; R.S. Ladd D18 Standards Development Award, Standard Designation, ASTM, 2014, 2011, 2002; R.M. Quigley Award from the Canadian Geotechnical Society, 2003.

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