Centrifuge Model Tests of Slopes with Weak Layer under Rainfall

Failures of soil slopes are often triggered by rainfall, and weak layers tend to accelerate the failure process significantly. Centrifuge model tests were conducted to investigate the behavior of cohesive soil slopes with weak layer under rainfall conditions. Deformation process and change in soil suction were observed and recorded during the tests. Comparison between soil suction and strain showed that the rainfall infiltration, the decrease of suction and the increase of strain correspond in time. The analysis of displacement showed that dislocation zones appeared in the slopes during the rain precipitation process. The rainfall induced a discontinuous dislocation zone in the slope with a weak layer, and a continuous one in the homogeneous slope.