Analysis of a reinforced slope failure induced by The Chi‐Chi (Taiwan) earthquake

Abstract

A reinforced soil slope located at the entrance road of National Chi‐Nan University failed during the Chi‐Chi (Taiwan) Earthquake. The theme of this paper is to provide an insight into the design, construction, and failure of this reinforced slope. The location, geometry, and configuration of the slope are described. A detailed field observation of slope failure is made, in order to collect information about materials, construction, and failure mode. The soil and reinforcement materials retrieved from field are tested for strength properties. Slope stability analyses including pseudo‐static and stress deformation analyses are performed. Pseudo‐static analysis reveals that the failure is likely induced by a pseudo‐static coefficient between 0.4 and 0.5. The stress deformation analysis reveals that shear strain is initiated at the top and bottom connections between reinforced zone and natural soil. The critical failure surfaces estimated from field observation, pseudo‐static analysis, and stress deformation analysis compare reasonably well.