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Slope Failure Predicting Method Using the Monitoring of Volumetric Water Content in Soil Slope  

Kim Man-Il (Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Andong National University)
Nishigaki Makoto (Dept. of Environmental and Civil Design, Okayama University)
Publication Information
The Journal of Engineering Geology / v.16, no.2, 2006 , pp. 135-143 More about this Journal
Abstract
This study presents the results of a series of laboratory scale slope failure experiments aimed at clarifying the process and the condition leading to the initiation of rainfall-induced slope failures. For the evaluation of hydrologic response of the model slopes in relation the process of failure initiation, measurements were focused on the changes in volumetric water content during the initiation process. The process leading to failure initiation commences by the development of a seepage face. It appears reasonable to conclude that slope failures are a consequence of the instability of seepage area formed at the slope surface during rainfall period. Therefore, this demonstrates the importance of monitoring the development seepage area for useful prediction about the timing of a particular failure event. The hydrologic response of soil slopes leading to failure initiation is characterized by three phases (phase I, II and III) of significant increase in volumetric water content in association with the ingress of wetting front and the rise of groundwater level within the slope. The period of phase III increase in volumetric water content can be used to initiate advance warning towards a failure initiation event. Therefore, for the concept outlined above, direct and continuous monitoring of the change in volumetric water content is likely to provide the possibility for the development of a reliable and effective means of predicting the occurrence of rainfall-induced slope failures.
Keywords
rainfall-induced; volumetric water content; slope failure monitoring concept;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 1  (Citation Analysis)
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