Rainfall-Induced Failure of Volcanic Embankments Subjected to Cyclic Loadings in Cold Regions

The aims of this study are to investigate rainfall-induced failure of volcanic embankments subjected to both freeze-thaw action and cyclic loadings such as seismic loadings, and to elucidate its mechanical behavior. A series of model tests was performed on model embankments using both a shaking table and a model test apparatus which is capable of simulation of rainfall. In the model tests on embankments subjected to freeze-thaw action after cyclic loadings, the surface was frozen with dry ices over a period of eight hours, and was thawed; thereafter, rainfall tests were performed until failure. During rainfall tests, pore water pressure behavior, deformation behavior and variation in saturation degree were monitored. In particular, the effect of freeze-thaw action and cyclic loadings such as seismic loadings on mechanical behavior at failure was clarified. Based on the test results, an evaluation method of slope stability on volcanic embankments was proposed.