Analysis of the Mobilization of an Unsaturated Infinite Natural Slope Due to Strength Reduction

Abstract

This work analyses the mobilization of infinite natural slopes that are initially partially saturated. Starting from dry conditions (the water table is assumed to be deep, far from the slope surface), the soil shear strength will decrease when the wetting front advances from the surface. First, the geometry of the failure mechanism that can develop because of such strength reduction is determined. Second, after the mobilization causes the progressive reduction in the soil strength, the slide speed reached the minimum strength is determined, obtaining an indicator of the risk derived from failure.

Keywords

• infinite slope
• partially saturated conditions
• shear strength
• slope mobilization
• failure risk