Initiated by Dr. Xin Wei, University of Michigan
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Stability analysis of rainfall-induced slope failure: a review

Citation

Zhang, L.L., Zhang, J., Zhang, L.M., Tang, W.H. (2011). Stability analysis of rainfall-induced slope failure: a review. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Geotechnical Engineering, 164(5): 299-316. Link to paper

Abstract

Rainfall is one of the most significant triggering factors for slope failures in many regions around the world, and numerous research studies have been conducted to investigate infiltration of rainwater into a slope and the effect of water infiltration on slope stability. The paper presents a review of existing research on infiltration analysis and slope stability analysis under rainfall infiltration, first reviewing studies on infiltration analysis with conceptual models, analytical analysis and numerical modelling, then discussing the typical pore water pressure profiles in the slope, and subsequently summarizing recent developments in analyses of slope instabilities under rainfall conditions using the limit equilibrium method and coupled hydro-mechanical modelling, along with major findings on critical hydrological factors related to rainfall-induced landslides.