Assessing Submarine Slope Stability through Deterministic and Probabilistic Approaches: A Case Study on the West-Central Scotia Slope

摘要: A simplified geostatistical approach was adopted to assess the effect of spatial variability soil properties on slope stability analysis in order understand continental margin geologic processes and potential geohazards for an area central Scotian Slope, offshore Nova Scotia, Canada. The analyses are conducted piston core samples, thus restricted ~12 m sub-seabed; however, provides insight into general effects temporal variability. Data processing using geostatistics assessment correlation used characterize current dataset. deterministic performed both non-spatially averaged spatially sections. results indicate that estimated factor safety increased by about 30% when values were used. probabilistic model is introduced reliability slope. makes use estimates mean variance input random variables (e.g., Su γb). uses exact formulation total stress a Taylor series approximation effective analysis. In cases, computed, leading failure probability. suggest conservative with respect reliability, although they do not lead estimate probability failure. While these sediment instability largely unlikely under static conditions, reality many examples submarine observed record. These cyclic loading (earthquakes) or pre-conditioning factors (elevation pore pressures) critical Slope.