Abstract
Results of coupled slope stability analysis performed on two urban slopes in Salvador-BA, considering suction variations due to soil-atmosphere interactions over the years of 2016 and 2018 are presented. Boundary conditions, unsaturated soil shear strength and hydraulic parameters were determined by surveying the local topography, analysing climatic and hydrological data, and gathering undisturbed soil samples from the slopes. Soil characterization, saturated and suction controlled triaxial tests and permeability, evaporation and soil water retention curve tests were performed. The simulation of the slope stability over time was performed using SEEP/W and SLOPE/W. A “soil-climate interaction function” and a modifier function were used as two distinct approaches to model the interactions between soil and the environment. The Vanapalli et al. (1996) [1] and Fredlund et al. (1978) [2] models were used to fit the cohesionversussuction curves. The most severe stability conditions were obtained in modelling considering the modifier function for soil-atmosphere interaction and Vanapalli et al. (1996) [1] model for slope 2 and the model of Fredlund et al. (1978) [2] for slope 1.
Highlights
Slope instability problems are intrinsic to Civil and Geotechnical Engineering's daily routine in dealing with landfills, dams, and other earthworks
Weathering data was integrated into the SLOPE/W software, and slope stability analysis over time was performed considering two distinct shear strength models: Fredlund et al (1978) [2] and Vanapalli et al (1996) [1]
The unsaturated soil shear strength is typically evaluated using equations such as those proposed by Bishop (1959) [17] and Fredlund et al (1978) [2] (Equations 4 and 5, respectively)
Summary
Slope instability problems are intrinsic to Civil and Geotechnical Engineering's daily routine in dealing with landfills, dams, and other earthworks. Stability conditions are aggravated by climatic and hydrological issues (VILAR, 2007) [3]. The saturated condition typically yields the worst scenario of shear strength and deformability, in many situations, the slope may never reach a fully saturated state, even under severe precipitation regimes (SOUSA, 2006) [4]. The lack of analysis of the soil-atmosphere interaction may lead to a misinterpretation of the problem and retaining structures can be demanded. Geotechnical analyses were carried out to integrate soil strength parameters, hydrological, topographic, and climatic aspects. Two different soilclimate interaction approaches were considered in the performed analysis. Weathering data was integrated into the SLOPE/W software, and slope stability analysis over time was performed considering two distinct shear strength models: Fredlund et al (1978) [2] and Vanapalli et al (1996) [1]
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