Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software

Brige Dublin Boussa Elenga; Severin Jean Maixent Loubouth; Adolphe Kempena; Sorel Dzaba-Dzoualou; Louis Ahouet

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16

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| Peer-Reviewed

Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software

Brige Dublin Boussa Elenga^*

, Severin Jean Maixent Loubouth

, Adolphe Kempena

, Sorel Dzaba-Dzoualou

, Louis Ahouet

Published in International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (Volume 14, Issue 5)

Received: 1 October 2025 Accepted: 16 October 2025 Published: 31 October 2025

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Abstract

This study conducted a rigorous comparative analysis of the Slide 2D (based on the Limit Equilibrium Method, LEM) and Plaxis 2D (based on the Finite Element Method, FEM) software packages to evaluate slope stability and validate methodological consistency in geotechnical engineering. The main objective was to determine whether a correlation exists between the Safety Factors (FS) calculated by these two tools, which possess distinct theoretical foundations. A series of typical slope cases, varying in geometry and soil properties, was modeled in both software environments. Statistical analysis revealed a remarkably significant correlation, with a coefficient of approximately 0.999, between the Safety Factors provided by the two tools. This strong relationship allowed for the establishment of a simple linear conversion equation that can be used to estimate the FS from Plaxis 2D based on the value obtained from Slide 2D. This equation confirms that, despite their fundamental differences, both tools yield comparable and reliable stability assessments under standard conditions. In conclusion, the ability to translate and validate results from one software to the other offers engineers and researchers greater confidence in the use and verification of landslide risk assessment results. Nevertheless, the crucial recommendation remains: it is imperative to choose the appropriate tool based on the intrinsic complexity of the geotechnical problem (presence of excessive deformations, staged construction analysis) and the specific parameters requiring modeling, with the FEM remaining the preferred option for the most complex or non-linear analyses.

Published in	International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (Volume 14, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16
Page(s)	239-251
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Correlation, Slope Stability, Factor of Safety, Plaxis 2D, Slide 2D

References

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[2]	J. N. N. Manuel, «Numerical analysis of slope failure in granitic soil slopes. Main types of instability and remediation measures, Tese para obtençao do Grau de Doutor em Engenharia Civil», p. 254, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, 2015.
[3]	Kjekstad & Highland, «Economic and social impacts of landslide», Springer, pp. 539-546, 2009.
[4]	R. Larsson, G. Sallfors, P. E. Bengtsson, C. Alen, U. Bergdahl and L. Eriksson, Skjuvhallfasthet-utv¨ardering I Kohe-sionsjord, Geotechnical Institute and Chalmers University of Technology, 2007.
[5]	Brinkgreve & Swolfs, Plaxis 2D version 2010: Reference Manual, 2010.
[6]	H. M. Shiferaw, «Study on the infuence of slope height and angle on the factor of safety and shape of failure of slopes based on strength reduction method of analysis», Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, vol. 10, n° 11, pp. 31, 2021.
[7]	Roscience Inc., Slid 6.0 User Manual, 2017.
[8]	Luc Leroy, Michel Kenmoe, Tchognia Nkuissi, Sylvain Lawou, and Innoua Mohamadou1 «Comparative Analysis of the Slope Stability Using Slide and Plaxis 2D Software: A Case Study of Tombel Pozzolan Quarry (South-West Cameroon)», Applied and Environmental Soil Science, 20 pages, 2024.
[9]	Duncan J. M & Wright S. G, «Soil Strength and Slope Stability, Wiley & Sons», 2005.
[10]	D. V. Grifths and P. A. Lane, «Slope stability analysis by fnite elements», Géotechnique, vol. 49, n° 13, pp. 387-403, 1999.
[11]	Y. Mao, L. Chen, Y. A. Nanehkaran, M. Azarafzan, R. Derakhshani, «Fuzzy-based intelligent model for rapid rock slope stability analysis using Qslope», vol. 15, n°%116, pp. 2949, 2023.
[12]	A. V. Deliveris and I. E. Zevgolis, «Numerical Modelling of Slope Stability in Open Pit lignite Mines: A Comparative Study», Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece, 2016.
[13]	A. Azadi, A. Esmatkhah Irani, M. Azarafza, M. Hajialilue Bonab, F. B. Sarand, and R. Derakhshani, «Coupled numerical and analytical stability analysis charts for an earth-fll dam under rapid drawdown conditions», Applied Sciences, vol. 12, n° 19, pp. p. 4550, 2022.
[14]	M. Azarafza, H. Akgün, M. R. Feizi-Derakhshi, «Discontinuous rock slope stability analysis under blocky structural sliding by fuzzy key-block analysis method», Heliyon, vol. 6, n°15, 2020.
[15]	Y. A. Nanehkaran, Z. Licai, J. Chengyong «Comparative analysis for slope stability by using machine learning methods», Applied Sciences, vol. 13, pp. 1555, 2023.
[16]	Yu H, Salgado R, Sloan W, Kim J, «Limit analysis versus equilibrium for slope stability», Geotech Geoenviron Eng ASCE, vol. 124, n° 11, pp. 1-11, 1998.
[17]	A. kempena, W. N Noël, O. O Harmel, M. U Urbain, A. O Gonçalaves, R. G Lacaba, B. Florent, «Comparative Study of Slope Soils Analysis by Using Limit Equilibbirum and Finite Element Methods», International Journal of Geosciences, vol. 13, pp. 1089-1102, 2002.
[18]	A. B Khalkhali and M. K Koochaksaraei, «Evaluation of Limit Equilibrium and Finite Element Methods in Slope Stability Analysis - Case Study of Zaremroud Landslide, Iran», Computational Engineering and Physical Modeling, pp. 01-15, 2019.
[19]	N. A Hammouri, A. H. Malkawi, M. Yamin «Stability analysis of slopes using the finite element method and limiting equilibrium approach», Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, pp. 471-478, 2008.

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APA Style

Elenga, B. D. B., Loubouth, S. J. M., Kempena, A., Dzaba-Dzoualou, S., Ahouet, L. (2025). Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 14(5), 239-251. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16

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ACS Style

Elenga, B. D. B.; Loubouth, S. J. M.; Kempena, A.; Dzaba-Dzoualou, S.; Ahouet, L. Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software. Int. J. Mater. Sci. Appl. 2025, 14(5), 239-251. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16

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AMA Style

Elenga BDB, Loubouth SJM, Kempena A, Dzaba-Dzoualou S, Ahouet L. Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software. Int J Mater Sci Appl. 2025;14(5):239-251. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16,
  author = {Brige Dublin Boussa Elenga and Severin Jean Maixent Loubouth and Adolphe Kempena and Sorel Dzaba-Dzoualou and Louis Ahouet},
  title = {Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software
},
  journal = {International Journal of Materials Science and Applications},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {239-251},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmsa.20251405.16},
  abstract = {This study conducted a rigorous comparative analysis of the Slide 2D (based on the Limit Equilibrium Method, LEM) and Plaxis 2D (based on the Finite Element Method, FEM) software packages to evaluate slope stability and validate methodological consistency in geotechnical engineering. The main objective was to determine whether a correlation exists between the Safety Factors (FS) calculated by these two tools, which possess distinct theoretical foundations. A series of typical slope cases, varying in geometry and soil properties, was modeled in both software environments. Statistical analysis revealed a remarkably significant correlation, with a coefficient of approximately 0.999, between the Safety Factors provided by the two tools. This strong relationship allowed for the establishment of a simple linear conversion equation that can be used to estimate the FS from Plaxis 2D based on the value obtained from Slide 2D. This equation confirms that, despite their fundamental differences, both tools yield comparable and reliable stability assessments under standard conditions. In conclusion, the ability to translate and validate results from one software to the other offers engineers and researchers greater confidence in the use and verification of landslide risk assessment results. Nevertheless, the crucial recommendation remains: it is imperative to choose the appropriate tool based on the intrinsic complexity of the geotechnical problem (presence of excessive deformations, staged construction analysis) and the specific parameters requiring modeling, with the FEM remaining the preferred option for the most complex or non-linear analyses.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software

AU  - Brige Dublin Boussa Elenga
AU  - Severin Jean Maixent Loubouth
AU  - Adolphe Kempena
AU  - Sorel Dzaba-Dzoualou
AU  - Louis Ahouet
Y1  - 2025/10/31
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16
T2  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JF  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JO  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
SP  - 239
EP  - 251
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16
AB  - This study conducted a rigorous comparative analysis of the Slide 2D (based on the Limit Equilibrium Method, LEM) and Plaxis 2D (based on the Finite Element Method, FEM) software packages to evaluate slope stability and validate methodological consistency in geotechnical engineering. The main objective was to determine whether a correlation exists between the Safety Factors (FS) calculated by these two tools, which possess distinct theoretical foundations. A series of typical slope cases, varying in geometry and soil properties, was modeled in both software environments. Statistical analysis revealed a remarkably significant correlation, with a coefficient of approximately 0.999, between the Safety Factors provided by the two tools. This strong relationship allowed for the establishment of a simple linear conversion equation that can be used to estimate the FS from Plaxis 2D based on the value obtained from Slide 2D. This equation confirms that, despite their fundamental differences, both tools yield comparable and reliable stability assessments under standard conditions. In conclusion, the ability to translate and validate results from one software to the other offers engineers and researchers greater confidence in the use and verification of landslide risk assessment results. Nevertheless, the crucial recommendation remains: it is imperative to choose the appropriate tool based on the intrinsic complexity of the geotechnical problem (presence of excessive deformations, staged construction analysis) and the specific parameters requiring modeling, with the FEM remaining the preferred option for the most complex or non-linear analyses.

VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

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Author Information

Brige Dublin Boussa Elenga

Department of Civil Engineering, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-5595-9029
Severin Jean Maixent Loubouth

Department of Civil Engineering, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

http://orcid.org/0009-0002-5112-3513
Adolphe Kempena

Department of Geology, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9938-810X
Sorel Dzaba-Dzoualou

Department of Civil Engineering, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-0633-5639
Louis Ahouet

Department of Civil Engineering, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo; Department of Civil Engineering, Denis Sassou Nguesso University, Brazzaville, Congo; Control Office for Building and Public Works, Brazzaville, Congo

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3106-3392

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Elenga, B. D. B., Loubouth, S. J. M., Kempena, A., Dzaba-Dzoualou, S., Ahouet, L. (2025). Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 14(5), 239-251. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16

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ACS Style

Elenga, B. D. B.; Loubouth, S. J. M.; Kempena, A.; Dzaba-Dzoualou, S.; Ahouet, L. Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software. Int. J. Mater. Sci. Appl. 2025, 14(5), 239-251. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16

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AMA Style

Elenga BDB, Loubouth SJM, Kempena A, Dzaba-Dzoualou S, Ahouet L. Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software. Int J Mater Sci Appl. 2025;14(5):239-251. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16,
  author = {Brige Dublin Boussa Elenga and Severin Jean Maixent Loubouth and Adolphe Kempena and Sorel Dzaba-Dzoualou and Louis Ahouet},
  title = {Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software
},
  journal = {International Journal of Materials Science and Applications},
  volume = {14},
  number = {5},
  pages = {239-251},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmsa.20251405.16},
  abstract = {This study conducted a rigorous comparative analysis of the Slide 2D (based on the Limit Equilibrium Method, LEM) and Plaxis 2D (based on the Finite Element Method, FEM) software packages to evaluate slope stability and validate methodological consistency in geotechnical engineering. The main objective was to determine whether a correlation exists between the Safety Factors (FS) calculated by these two tools, which possess distinct theoretical foundations. A series of typical slope cases, varying in geometry and soil properties, was modeled in both software environments. Statistical analysis revealed a remarkably significant correlation, with a coefficient of approximately 0.999, between the Safety Factors provided by the two tools. This strong relationship allowed for the establishment of a simple linear conversion equation that can be used to estimate the FS from Plaxis 2D based on the value obtained from Slide 2D. This equation confirms that, despite their fundamental differences, both tools yield comparable and reliable stability assessments under standard conditions. In conclusion, the ability to translate and validate results from one software to the other offers engineers and researchers greater confidence in the use and verification of landslide risk assessment results. Nevertheless, the crucial recommendation remains: it is imperative to choose the appropriate tool based on the intrinsic complexity of the geotechnical problem (presence of excessive deformations, staged construction analysis) and the specific parameters requiring modeling, with the FEM remaining the preferred option for the most complex or non-linear analyses.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Correlation Between the Factors of Safety from Slide 2D and Plaxis 2D Software

AU  - Brige Dublin Boussa Elenga
AU  - Severin Jean Maixent Loubouth
AU  - Adolphe Kempena
AU  - Sorel Dzaba-Dzoualou
AU  - Louis Ahouet
Y1  - 2025/10/31
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16
T2  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JF  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JO  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
SP  - 239
EP  - 251
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20251405.16
AB  - This study conducted a rigorous comparative analysis of the Slide 2D (based on the Limit Equilibrium Method, LEM) and Plaxis 2D (based on the Finite Element Method, FEM) software packages to evaluate slope stability and validate methodological consistency in geotechnical engineering. The main objective was to determine whether a correlation exists between the Safety Factors (FS) calculated by these two tools, which possess distinct theoretical foundations. A series of typical slope cases, varying in geometry and soil properties, was modeled in both software environments. Statistical analysis revealed a remarkably significant correlation, with a coefficient of approximately 0.999, between the Safety Factors provided by the two tools. This strong relationship allowed for the establishment of a simple linear conversion equation that can be used to estimate the FS from Plaxis 2D based on the value obtained from Slide 2D. This equation confirms that, despite their fundamental differences, both tools yield comparable and reliable stability assessments under standard conditions. In conclusion, the ability to translate and validate results from one software to the other offers engineers and researchers greater confidence in the use and verification of landslide risk assessment results. Nevertheless, the crucial recommendation remains: it is imperative to choose the appropriate tool based on the intrinsic complexity of the geotechnical problem (presence of excessive deformations, staged construction analysis) and the specific parameters requiring modeling, with the FEM remaining the preferred option for the most complex or non-linear analyses.

VL  - 14
IS  - 5
ER  -

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