Influence of water content on the shear strength parameters of clayey soil in relation to stability analysis of a hillside in Brno region

Abstract

Shear strength of soils is highly affected by moisture conditions (i.e. water content), especially if the soil contains clay materials. Usually the laboratory specimen, which are used to determine shear strength of soil are prepared at water content and dry density same as in the field conditions, without respect to the fact, that the conditions in the future might not remain the same. For the purpose of this study soil specimen were compacted and the optimum moisture content was identified. After compaction soil was tested at the dry side of optimum water content at w = 9 %, 10 % and 11 %. Parameters of shear strength were obtained and used for stability analysis with software GEOSLOPE/W 2012. According to referenced literature, it was expected for the shear strength of the soil to decrease with increasing water content. This hypothesis was not proven for clayey soil from Brno region. Development of values of friction angle and cohesion exhibited anomalous behaviour and such development was found also for values of Factor of safety (FOS) obtained from stability analyses. Results proved the necessity of taking moisture conditions into account, when processing stability analyses, in order to achieve reliable and safe constructions.