Journal Published Online: 24 April 2023
Volume 51, Issue 6

Interpretation of Small-Scaled Model Test for Uniform Clay Slope Design

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Small-scaled model tests under normal gravity are widely used to examine slope stabilities and failure mechanisms. Nevertheless, in practice, it is impossible to comply to all similarity principles, which could affect the modeled results in the prototype. This paper performs finite element analyses to investigate the behavior of uniform clay slopes as commonly performed in a 1g model test without following similarity principles. The numerical model is validated with previously published data. A parametric study is then carried out with varying slope scales, soil properties, etc. Based on extensive numerical modeling data, four formulas are established to correlate and interpolate the sliding surface and safety factor of a model slope in a 1g test. A framework is proposed to interpret 1g model-scale test results for applications in slope designs.

Author Information

Wang, Xiaoliang
Earthquake Engineering Research and Test Center, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China Guangzhou Construction Engineering Corporation Limited, Guangzhou, China State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
Zhou, Mi
State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China Institute of Geotechnical Engineering, School of Marine Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
Zhang, Xihong
School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, Australia
Pages: 16
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE20220565
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20220565