**5.4 Finite element method**

Finite element method of analysis is generally based on quasi-elastic continuum mechanics approach in which stresses and strains are estimated throughout the mass. In this method both deformation and strength parameters, viz., modulus of deformation (E), Poisson's ratio (υ ), cohesion, c, angle of shearing resistance, ϕ, angle of dilation (ψ) are required for design. Alternately, shear strength reduction technique is used for design of slope considering the effect of reinforcement. In this approach no assumption needs to be made regarding nature of failure surface or its location as failure occurs "naturally" through the zones within the soil mass wherein the shear stresses attain values close to the strength of the soil. Details of this approach can be found in the works of Rowe and Soderman [45], Almeida et al. [46], Chalaturnyk et al. [47], Ali and Tee [48] and Griffith and Lane [49]. Software such as Plaxis, FLAC, etc., are available for the analysis by 'Soil Strength Reduction Technique' using FEM.
