Research Article
Nov 1981
Instability of Amuay Cliffside
Authors: T. William Lambe, F.ASCE, Francisco Silva, M.ASCE, and W. Allen Marr, M.ASCEAuthor Affiliations
Publication: Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division
Volume 107, Issue 11
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of cliffside instability. Geotechnical analyses employing field measurements and laboratory test results obtained over a 30-yr period indicate that rising pore pressures trigger slides along the cliff. Visual observation, surveys, and field exploration show that most of the landslides have wedge-type failure geometry. Shear occurs through a nearly horizontal stratum of weak clay, brown fat clay. The strength of the fat clay decreases with deformation. Fluids generated by domestic and industrial activities have resulted in a perched water layer above the stratum of fat clay. For more than two decades, the pore pressure on top of the fat clay has risen. A wedge type of stability analysis can give the correct factor of safety — i.e., 1.0 — for the slides which have occurred.
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Published In
Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division
Volume 107 • Issue 11 • November 1981
Pages: 1505 - 1520
Copyright
© 1981 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Nov 1981
Published online: Feb 11, 2021
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Authors
Affiliations
T. William Lambe, F.ASCE
Prof., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, Mass. 02139
Francisco Silva, M.ASCE
Consulting Geotechnical Engr., 12 Baskin Rd., Lexington, Mass. 02173
W. Allen Marr, M.ASCE
Prof., Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, Mass. 02139
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Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.