Use the following data to analyze global stability of a slope:

Geometry (cross section and loading conditions)
Location of the water table
Soil/rock stratigraphy
Soil/rock properties (unit, weight, Atterberg Limits, undrained and drained shear strength)
Additional loading conditions (traffic surcharge, railroad live load, etc.)

For global stability of a slope, a minimum factor of safety of 1.3 is required for both the long-term drained condition and the short term undrained condition. Make the factor of safety 1.5 or greater for slope or walls that support abutment, buildings, critical utilities, or for other installations with a low tolerance for failure.

Experience has shown that most exposed side slope failures begin as shallow slides and then deepen with time. With this as a guide, the following table was developed to determine the recommended upper limit on the Plasticity Index for various slope conditions to maintain a factor of safety of 1.3 for the long term or drained soil conditions using an infinite slope analysis accounting for seepage of water parallel to face of slope.

Table 7-1: Plasticity Index Range for Exposed Side Slopes Required for FS =1.3 for the Long Term or Drained Condition

Slope X:1	Plasticity Index (PI) (%)
2.5 to 1	< 5
3.0 to 1	< 20
3.5 to 1	< 35
4.0 to 1	< 55
4.5 to 1	< 85