Research Article
Jul 1967
Stability of Sloping Core Earth Dams
Publication: Journal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division
Volume 93, Issue 4
Abstract
A series of tests on small scale embankments was conducted to give a better understanding of the mechanism of failure of sloping core earth dams, and to develop a rational method of stability analysis compatible with the observed sliding pattern. Six small earth dams with a range of core slopes varying from 2.45○ to 35○ were constructed and caused to fail in order to determine the consistency of the failure mechanism. Construction and testing procedures are described, and the results of plane strain tests and triaxial tests on the granular materials used in the construction of the upstream shells are presented. The conditions at failure for the earth dams tested are presented and analyzed. Observations of the deformations and features of the dams after failure indicated that failure occurred by a sliding block mechanism. An active block, a passive block, and an extensively sheared zone between the blocks participated in developing a catastrophic failure. An improved method for stability computations, using the developed failure mechanism and the plane strain strength parameters, is presented.
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Published In
Journal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division
Volume 93 • Issue 4 • July 1967
Pages: 45 - 67
Copyright
© 1967 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Jul 1967
Published online: Feb 12, 2021
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Authors
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Hassan A. Sultan, AM.ASCE
Staff Engr., Woodward, Clyde, Sherard and Assocs., Oakland, Calif.; formerly Research Asst., Univ. of California, Berkeley, Calif.
H. Bolton Seed, M.ASCE
Prof. of Civil Engrg., Univ. of California, Berkeley, Calif.
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
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.