Editing Geotechnical engineering (section)

====Slope stabilization====
[[Image:Slopslump2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|Simple slope slip section.]]
{{Main|Slope stability}}

Geotechnical engineers can analyze and improve slope stability using engineering methods. Slope stability is determined by the balance of [[shear stress]] and [[shear strength (soil)|shear strength]]. A previously stable slope may be initially affected by various factors, making it unstable. Nonetheless, geotechnical engineers can design and implement engineered slopes to increase stability.

=====Slope stability analysis=====
{{Main|Slope stability analysis}}

Stability analysis is needed to design engineered slopes and estimate the risk of slope failure in natural or designed slopes by determining the conditions under which the topmost mass of soil will slip relative to the base of soil and lead to slope failure.<ref>{{cite book|last=Pariseau|first=William G.|title=Design analysis in rock mechanics|year=2011|publisher=CRC Press}}</ref> If the interface between the mass and the base of a slope has a complex geometry, slope stability analysis is difficult and [[Numerical analysis|numerical solution]] methods are required.  Typically, the interface's exact geometry is unknown, and a simplified interface geometry is assumed.  Finite slopes require three-dimensional models to be analyzed, so most slopes are analyzed assuming that they are infinitely wide and can be represented by two-dimensional models.