2D and 3D numerical modelling for preliminary assessment of long-term deterioration in Irish glacial till geotechnical slopes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Long-term geotechnical slope deterioration, influenced by weathering and meteorological factors, presents stability challenges to infrastructure. Wetting and drying cycles lead to pore water pressure variations, causing deformations and slope failure. Studies on glacial tills which investigate deterioration in geotechnical slopes focus on variables like pore water pressure, soil water retention, compaction, freeze–thaw cycles and cracking. This research conducts a preliminary assessment of an Irish glacial till-cut slope, establishing a data-driven foundation for long-term slope behaviour studies. Data analysis, geospatial modelling and numerical simulations were performed on a cut slope in Castleblayney (Ireland), considering short-term/undrained and long-term/drained conditions. FLAC/Slope and Scoops3D were used for 2D and 3D slope stability analyses, applying the First-Order Second Moment (FOSM) probabilistic approach to assess how minor soil property changes affect slope stability, including long-term deterioration scenarios. The study underscores the importance of precise instrument placement within Irish glacial till geotechnical cut slopes, particularly at the uppermost part where shallow and deep failures coincide under long-term and short-term scenarios. This informs strategic instrument positioning for accurate slope deterioration investigations. This research lays the groundwork for understanding mechanisms driving geotechnical slope deterioration and provides insights for future studies on geotechnical asset deterioration models in Irish glacial tills.