Geotechnical Characterization and Failure Mechanism of Landslide in Granite Residual Soil
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 145, Issue 8
Abstract
This paper describes the geological–geotechnical study of the occurrence of a mass movement on a hillside in the municipality of Camaragibe, Pernambuco state, Brazil. Comprehensive onsite geotechnical investigation was performed involving borings, collection of deformed and undisturbed samples, moisture profiles, hydraulic conductivity tests (Guelph permeameter), and study of wastewater disposal. Laboratory tests were performed, including chemical, mineralogical and physical characterization, permeability (triflex), suction studies, oedometer, direct, suction-controlled, multiple reversal, and ring shear tests; instrumentation also involved the use of Casagrande and maximum piezometers, water level gauges, slope indicators, and a pluviometer. The data obtained in the laboratory and on site enabled characterization of the materials involved in the landslide (Barreiras Formation and granite residual soil) and understanding of the mechanism, its stability analysis at the failure stages, and reactivation. It is cited as having predisposing factors to instability, namely geology, anthropic action, and relief. Rainfall was indicated as the primary triggering factor. At the failure stage, the movement was classified as multiple rotational landslide. At the reactivation stage, the displacement occurs in blocks.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the support of Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), the Geotechnical Engineering of Slopes, Plains and Disasters Group (GEGEP), and the financial support from projects PRONEX-CNPq/FACEPE and INCT-CNPq-REAGEO. The authors would also like to acknowledge the invaluable collaboration of the Camaragibe town hall technical staff and the residents of the area where the mass movement has occurred.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 145 • Issue 8 • August 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 6, 2018
Accepted: Nov 30, 2018
Published online: May 31, 2019
Published in print: Aug 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Oct 31, 2019
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