Modeling the unsaturated soil zone in slope stability analysis
Citation
Zhang, L.L., Fredlund, D.G., Fredlund, M.D., Wilson, G.W. (2014). Modeling the unsaturated soil zone in slope stability analysis. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 51(12): 1384-1398. Link to paper
Abstract
This paper presents a study using two-dimensional slope stability analysis along with estimated nonlinear shear strength equations to model the unsaturated soil zone. The linear form of the extended Mohr-Coulomb shear strength equation uses a parameter to quantify the rate of increase in shear strength relative to matric suction. However, experimental results have shown that the relationship between the shear strength of an unsaturated soil and matric suction is nonlinear. The research provides a systematic summary of commonly used strength models for unsaturated soils and investigates their impacts on slope stability. The study contributes to improved understanding of how matric suction affects slope stability in the unsaturated zone, which is critical for accurate slope failure prediction.