Abstract
Although peat slope failures have occurred in Ireland for many thousands of years, their causal factors and the triggering mechanisms involved are poorly understood. A particular barrier to quantitative assessment of the risk of failures is the lack of knowledge of the geotechnical properties of peat and its role in failures. In order to advance the understanding of these issues case history data is invaluable. This paper describes a case study from the Wicklow mountains where a desk and remote sensing based study was used to identify peat slope failures. Subsequently, detailed field studies were carried out at two failure locations. It was found that although the full causal factors at the time of failure are unknown, a common factor was that the failure took place in a zone of highly decomposed and relatively low-fibre-content peat. A revision of the standard test method for fibre content for use in peat soils is proposed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
