Centrifuge Modeling of Slope Instability
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 135, Issue 6
Abstract
This paper demonstrates the use of a centrifuge modeling technique in studying slope instability. The slope models were prepared from sand, and sand mixed with 15 and 30% fines by weight, compacted at optimum water content. The validity of the modeling technique was confirmed using slope models of different heights, inclinations, and soil types. The soil behavior was studied under triaxial and plane strain conditions, and the extended Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion was found relevant for expressing the strength of unsaturated compacted soil based on the angle of internal friction and apparent cohesion. The Bishop’s circular mechanism, together with the extended Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, was able to simulate the slope failure reasonably well. The rainfall of different intensities was then induced on the stable slopes of sand with 15% fines. It was found that the failure of slope under rainfall may be interpreted as a reduction in apparent cohesion. The centrifuge tests also allowed the rainfall intensity-duration threshold curve (local curve) to be generated for the test slopes, and the accumulated rainfall corresponded well to some of the reported field observations.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 135 • Issue 6 • June 2009
Pages: 758 - 767
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 13, 2008
Accepted: Sep 2, 2008
Published online: May 15, 2009
Published in print: Jun 2009
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