## 3 Material and Method
### Numerical Simulation
#### 3.5.1 Sclides (FEM) Model Procedures  
It is however noteworthy to state here that Sclides was utilized to estimate the FoS values of the slope for several scenarios. The FoS values can be computed following various models (Bishop's, among others). The different outcomes can be compared at once. In terms of model building, the exercise starts with the creation of a new project. Similar to other modeling platforms, the new project required the delimitation of the model limitation in XY coordinates. For that, various X and Y coordinatesdefining the region were entered. The ultimate goal of this step was to draw the model of the region. Upon generating the boundaries of the model, the actual initial conditions of the simulation are defined next for the project. Inputs such as the statistics associated with groundwater conditions, the computational methods, and the failure directions are captured.  
The correct values of input data and the appropriate selection of procedural approaches were of paramount importance. This is because the exercise determined how realistic the computer modeling of the actual rockmass associated with the study area would be. For a thorough interpretation of the results, several methods (Bishop simplified, Corps of Eng #1&2, GLE, Janbu simplified and corrected, Lowe-K analias, Ordinary, and Spencer) of analysis were considered. The motivation was to compare various approaches to the problem. However, corresponding results were interpreted based on the performance of each approach.  
The other important factor was the groundwater regime set at 9.81 KN per cubic meter. This value was estimated in the laboratory after performing several tests on soil material. Statistics of the yearly rainfalls in the area were also considered in estimating the groundwater regime. It is important to stress that theoretical models underpinning all these computer programs are generally based on simplifying assumptions. These depart from the real behavior of soil and rock masses and diminish the value of output results. To circumvent the limitation, a degree of randomness and unpredictability is supposed to be allocated to the modeling frameworks. In this paper, the exercise was implemented by resorting to the probabilistic analysis built upon the Monte-Carlo sampling method. Indeed, the Monte-Carlo method refers to the allocation of randomness to a phenomenon by means of random number generators.  
The next step was the definition of the boundaries of the excavation upon which the roads were constructed. The coordinates entered were based on field surveying and existing maps of the region. The inputs are rendered automatically and diagrammatically as the excavation model. Finally, computational routines are selected and defined in terms of grid spacing of the limit equilibrium analysis of the excavation model. Other relevant input parameters are also incorporated before the model is finally solved. The convergence solution to the problem is exemplified in the results sections with the most likely FoS defined in the inset. Various scenarios were simulated and their output results were recorded for later analysis. Several techniques were used for the purpose and they are presented in the next section.