Slope Stability and Stabilization Methods

by Abramson, Lee W.; Lee, Thomas S.; Sharma, Sunil; Boyce, Glenn M.

• ISBN13: 9780471384939
• ISBN10: 0471384933
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-11-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

A major revision of the comprehensive text/reference Written by world-leading geotechnical engineers who share almost 100 years of combined experience, Slope Stability and Stabilization, Second Edition assembles the background information, theory, analytical methods, design and construction approaches, and practical examples necessary to carry out a complete slope stability project. Retaining the best features of the previous edition, this new book has been completely updated to address the latest trends and methodology in the field. Features include: * All-new chapters on shallow failures and stability of landfill slopes * New material on probabilistic stability analysis, cost analysis of stabilization alternatives, and state-of-the-art techniques in time-domain reflectometry to help engineers plan and model new designs * Tested and FHA-approved procedures for the geotechnical stage of highway, tunnel, and bridge projects * Sound guidance for geotechnical stage design and planning for virtually all types of construction projects Slope Stability and Stabilization, Second Edition is filled with current and comprehensive information, making it one of the best resources available on the subject-and an essential reference for today's and tomorrow's professionals in geology, geotechnical engineering, soil science, and landscape architecture.

Author Biography

LEE W. ABRAMSON, a vice president of Hatch Mott MacDonald, Inc., is the author of the Handbook on Ground Control and Improvement (Wiley).

Table of Contents

Preface	xvii
Acknowledgments	xix
About the Authors	xxi
General Slope Stability Concepts	1	(55)
Lee W. Abramson
Introduction	1	(1)
Aims of Slope Stability Analysis	2	(1)
Natural Slopes	2	(1)
Engineered Slopes	3	(22)
Embankments and Fills	3	(12)
Cut Slopes	15	(3)
Landfills	18	(6)
Retaining Structures	24	(1)
Landslides	25	(8)
Features and Dimensions of Landslides	25	(4)
Landslide Rates and Types of Movements	29	(4)
Factors Contributing to Slope Failures	33	(1)
Basic Concepts Applied to Slope Stability	34	(2)
Typical Input Data for Slope Stability Analyses	36	(15)
Geologic Conditions	36	(1)
Site Topography	36	(1)
Possible Effects of Proposed Construction	37	(2)
Material Properties	39	(3)
Shear Strength	42	(6)
Groundwater Conditions	48	(1)
Seismicity	49	(2)
Subsurface Model and Back-Analysis for Slope Stability Analyses	51	(2)
Conclusions	53	(3)
References	53	(3)
Engineering Geology Principles	56	(46)
Thomas S. Lee
Introduction	56	(1)
Types and Characteristics of Geologic Soil Deposits	56	(17)
Alluvial Deposits	57	(8)
Glacial Deposits	65	(1)
Eolian Deposits	65	(2)
Residual Deposits	67	(2)
Colluvial/Talus Deposits	69	(1)
Marine Deposits	70	(1)
Melanges	71	(1)
Other Types of Deposits	72	(1)
Types and Characteristics of Rocks	73	(3)
Shales	74	(1)
Sandstones	75	(1)
Limestones and Related Carbonate Rocks	75	(1)
Igneous Rocks	75	(1)
Pyrocrastic Volcanic Rocks	76	(1)
Metamorphic Rocks	76	(1)
Geologic Features Associated with Slopes	76	(8)
Soil/Rock Fabric	77	(1)
Geological Structures	77	(1)
Discontinuities	78	(1)
Groundwater	78	(1)
Ground Stresses	79	(1)
Weathering	79	(2)
Preexisting Landslide Activities	81	(1)
Clay Mineralogy	82	(2)
Seismic Effects	84	(1)
Landslides	84	(18)
Landslide-Prone Occurrences	85	(8)
Fundamentals of Landslides	93	(2)
Useful Clues to Landslide Investigations and Identifications	95	(4)
References	99	(3)
Groundwater Conditions	102	(60)
Thomas S. Lee
Introduction	102	(1)
Review of Groundwater Fundamentals	103	(5)
Movement of Groundwater	104	(2)
Principles of Groundwater Mechanics	106	(2)
Site Conditions	108	(7)
Groundwater Levels	108	(1)
Zones	108	(3)
Aquifers	111	(1)
Aquicludes	112	(1)
Perched Water	112	(2)
Artesian Water	114	(1)
Springs	114	(1)
Types of Groundwater Flow	115	(6)
Runoff	115	(2)
Infiltration	117	(1)
Regional Flow	118	(3)
Fluctuation of Groundwater Levels	121	(4)
Rainfall	121	(2)
Floods	123	(1)
Snowmelt	124	(1)
Sudden Drawdown	125	(1)
Influence of Geological Structures on Groundwater Flows	125	(2)
Pore Pressures	127	(11)
Positive Pore Pressures	128	(3)
Negative Pore Pressures	131	(2)
Measurement of Pore Pressures	133	(5)
Water Levels for Design	138	(4)
General	138	(1)
Wetting Band Approach	139	(3)
Field Identification and Interpretation of Groundwater Conditions	142	(2)
Field Identification of Groundwater Conditions	142	(1)
Interpretation of Groundwater Conditions	142	(2)
Groundwater in Slope Stability Analysis	144	(7)
Developing a Groundwater Model from the Field Data	144	(2)
Groundwater Effects on Slope Stability	146	(4)
Groundwater in Rock	150	(1)
Monitoring of Groundwater Pressures	151	(8)
Piezometers and Observation Wells	151	(6)
Installation of Piezometers	157	(2)
Fluctuating Groundwater Levels	159	(1)
Other Instruments---Rainfall Gages	159	(3)
References	159	(3)
Geologic Site Exploration	162	(80)
Thomas S. Lee
Introduction	162	(4)
Desk Study	166	(17)
Available Existing Data	166	(6)
Previous Geologic Explorations	172	(1)
Identification of Landslide-Prone Terrains through Topographic Expressions	173	(2)
Air Photos	175	(8)
Field Study	183	(14)
Site Reconnaissance	183	(14)
Exploration Methods	197	(12)
Introduction	197	(1)
Auger Drilling	198	(2)
Rotary Wash Drilling	200	(3)
Limitations of Auger and Rotary Wash Drilling	203	(1)
Sampling in the Ground	203	(1)
Large Boreholes	204	(1)
Test Pits	205	(4)
Testing Methods	209	(26)
In Situ Testing	209	(14)
Geophysical Testing	223	(6)
Downhole Geophysics Logging	229	(3)
Mineralogy Tests	232	(3)
Radiocarbon Dating	235	(1)
Exploration Program Design	235	(7)
Locations and Number of Boreholes	235	(2)
Depth of Boreholes	237	(1)
References	238	(4)
Laboratory Testing and Interpretation	242	(87)
Sunil Sharma
Introduction	242	(1)
Effective Stress Concepts	243	(1)
Mohr Circle	244	(1)
Mohr--Coulomb Failure Criterion	245	(5)
Mohr--Coulomb Failure Envelope---Unsaturated Soils	247	(2)
Mohr-Coulomb Envelope in p--q Space	249	(1)
Effective/Total Stress Analysis	250	(4)
Factors of Safety	252	(2)
Stress Paths	254	(5)
Typical Field Stress Paths	257	(2)
Shear Strength of Soils	259	(32)
Shear Strength of Granular Soils	260	(1)
Shear Strength of Fine-Grained Soils	260	(1)
Stress--Strain Characteristics of Soils	261	(2)
Discrepancies between Field and Laboratory Strengths	263	(6)
Strength Testing	269	(2)
Selection and Preparation of Test Samples	271	(1)
Laboratory Test Conditions	272	(2)
The SHANSEP Method	274	(2)
Triaxial Tests	276	(7)
Direct Shear Test	283	(4)
Direct Simple Shear (DSS) Test	287	(1)
Unsaturated Tests	288	(3)
Pore Pressure Parameters	291	(2)
Skempton's Parameters	291	(1)
Henkel's Parameters	291	(2)
Interpretations of Strength Tests	293	(12)
Triaxial Tests	293	(5)
Direct Shear Tests	298	(4)
Unsaturated Tests	302	(1)
Selection of Design Shear Strengths	302	(3)
Other Properties	305	(14)
Consolidation Tests	306	(1)
Permeability Tests	306	(1)
Compaction Tests	307	(1)
Classification Tests	308	(2)
Interpretations of Classification Tests	310	(2)
Shrink/Swell Potential	312	(1)
Slake Durability	313	(1)
Collapsibility	314	(1)
Dispersivity	315	(1)
Chemical Tests	316	(2)
X-Ray Diffraction Analysis	318	(1)
Quality Control/Quality Assurance	319	(10)
References	321	(8)
Slope Stability Concepts	329	(133)
Sunil Sharma
Introduction	329	(1)
Modes of Failure	330	(2)
Factor of Safety Concepts	332	(2)
Pore Water Pressures	334	(5)
Phreatic Surface	335	(1)
Piezometric Surface	336	(1)
Example	337	(2)
Negative Pore Pressures	339	(1)
Block Analysis	339	(4)
Example	341	(2)
Infinite Slope Analysis	343	(2)
Infinite Slopes in Dry Sand	343	(1)
Infinite Slope in c--&phis; Soil with Seepage	344	(1)
Planar Surface Analysis	345	(4)
Planar Surface Example	348	(1)
Circular Surface Analysis	349	(4)
Circular Arc (&phis;u = 0) Method	349	(1)
&phis;u = 0 Example	350	(1)
Friction Circle Method	350	(2)
Friction Circle Example	352	(1)
Method of Slices	353	(25)
Ordinary Method of Slices (OMS)	358	(2)
Simplified Janbu Method	360	(3)
Simplified Bishop Method	363	(1)
Generalized Limit Equilibrium (GLE) Method	364	(3)
Janbu's Generalized Procedure of Slices (GPS)	367	(3)
Method of Slices---An Example	370	(5)
Control of Negative Effective Stresses	375	(1)
Comparison of Limit Equilibrium Methods	376	(2)
Selection and Use of Limit Equilibrium Methods	378	(2)
Essential First Four Steps	378	(1)
Selection of Analysis Method	379	(1)
Considerations for All Types of Analyses	380	(1)
Design Charts	380	(13)
Historical Background	381	(1)
Stability Charts	381	(12)
Seismic Analysis	393	(16)
Pseudostatic Method	394	(2)
Newmark's Displacement Method	396	(2)
Accelerogram Selection for Newmark's Method	398	(1)
Computed Permanent Displacements	399	(9)
Tolerable Permanent Displacements	408	(1)
Other Factors Affecting Slope Stability Analysis	409	(3)
Effect of Tension Cracks on Stability Analysis	409	(1)
Effects of Vegetation	410	(1)
Foundation Loads on Slopes	411	(1)
Three-Dimensional Analysis	412	(1)
Rock Slope Stability	413	(2)
The Finite Element Method (FEM)	415	(4)
Example of FEM Analysis of Slopes	416	(3)
Computer Analysis	419	(1)
Available Computer Programs	419	(1)
Probabilistic Analysis of Slopes	420	(42)
Sources of Uncertainty	420	(1)
Basic Probability Concepts	421	(3)
Reliability Index	424	(3)
Probabilistic Formulation for Slopes	427	(1)
Probabilistic Analysis of Performance Function	427	(9)
Quantifying Uncertainty	436	(2)
Examples	438	(14)
Summary	452	(2)
References	454	(8)
Slope Stabilization Methods	462	(142)
Lee W. Abramson
Introduction	462	(1)
Unloading	463	(7)
Excavation	463	(5)
Lightweight Fill	468	(2)
Buttressing	470	(12)
Soil and Rock Fill	474	(1)
Counterberms	474	(1)
Shear Keys	475	(2)
Mechanically Stabilized Embankments	477	(3)
Pneusol (Tiresoil)	480	(2)
Drainage	482	(15)
Surface Drainage	482	(1)
Subsurface Drainage	483	(14)
Reinforcement	497	(23)
Soil Nailing	497	(10)
Stone Columns	507	(4)
Reticulated Micropiles	511	(1)
Geosynthetically Reinforced Slopes	512	(8)
Retaining Walls	520	(10)
Gravity and Cantilever Retaining Walls	523	(1)
Driven Piles	523	(1)
Drilled Shaft Walls	524	(1)
Tieback Walls	524	(6)
Vegetation	530	(11)
General Design Considerations	531	(6)
Vegetation Species	537	(1)
Erosion Control Mats and Blankets	538	(2)
Biotechnical Stabilization	540	(1)
Surface Slope Protection	541	(6)
General Design Considerations	542	(1)
Shotcrete	543	(1)
Chunam Plaster	544	(2)
Masonry	546	(1)
Rip-Rap	546	(1)
Soil Hardening	547	(12)
Compacted Soil-Cement Fill	547	(1)
Electro-osmosis	548	(1)
Thermal Treatment	549	(1)
Grouting	549	(1)
Lime Injection	550	(3)
Preconsolidation	553	(6)
Rock Slope Stabilization Methods	559	(25)
Removal of Unstable Rock	559	(3)
Catchment	562	(3)
Flattening of Slope	565	(1)
Buttresses	565	(1)
Surface Protection	566	(2)
Reinforcement	568	(1)
Drainage	568	(3)
Use of Explosives	571	(2)
Rock Slope Stabilization Case Histories	573	(11)
Alternatives to Slope Stabilization	584	(3)
Complete Removal of Slide Zone	585	(1)
Facility Relocation	585	(2)
Bridging	587	(1)
Selection of Stabilization Methods	587	(4)
Goals	588	(1)
Technical Constraints	588	(1)
Site Constraints	589	(1)
Environmental Constraints	590	(1)
Aesthetic Constraints	590	(1)
Schedule Constraints	590	(1)
Other Constraints	591	(1)
Cost	591	(1)
Probable Cost Analysis of Stabilization Alternatives	591	(13)
Introduction	591	(1)
Developing Alternative Schemes	592	(1)
Estimating Outcomes and Probabilities	592	(1)
Determining Probable Costs	593	(5)
References	598	(6)
Design, Construction, and Maintenance	604	(39)
Glenn M. Boyce
Introduction	604	(1)
Contract Documents	604	(3)
Contract Drawings	605	(1)
Specifications	606	(1)
Geotechnical Design Reports	606	(1)
Inspection during Construction	607	(23)
Inspection Guidelines	607	(1)
Quality Control/Quality Assurance	608	(1)
Instrumentation	608	(19)
Instrumentation Monitoring	627	(3)
Inspection following Construction	630	(3)
Introduction	630	(1)
Frequency of Inspections	631	(1)
Technical Inspections	632	(1)
Engineering Inspections	632	(1)
Inspection Reports	632	(1)
Maintenance	633	(6)
Access	633	(1)
Slope Performance Observations	633	(4)
Instruments	637	(1)
Drainage	637	(1)
Adjacent Utilities	638	(1)
Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)	639	(4)
Introduction	639	(1)
Mechanics of TDR	639	(1)
Advantages and Disadvantages of TDR over Inclinometers	640	(1)
References	641	(2)
Shallow Failures	643	(26)
Thomas S. Lee
Introduction	643	(1)
Seepage Flow Mechanism due to Infiltration	644	(1)
Mechanism of Rainfall-Induced Landslides	645	(2)
Field Loading Conditions	647	(1)
Correlations between Land Slides and Rainfall	648	(3)
Antecedent Rainfall	650	(1)
Rainfall Thresholds for Prediction of Shallow Failures	651	(1)
Types of Soils, Hydrogeologic, and Geomorphologic Features	652	(5)
Colluvium	652	(1)
Loess	653	(2)
Debris Flows	655	(1)
Residual Soils	656	(1)
Rapid Snowmelt	657	(1)
Effect of Permeability of Surficial Stability	657	(1)
Standard Codes for Shallow Slope Stability	658	(3)
Design Practice for Shallow Slope Stability	661	(3)
Debris Flow Hazard Mitigation	662	(1)
Design of Loess Slopes	663	(1)
Attending Landslide Incidents	664	(1)
Summary	665	(4)
References	665	(4)
Stability of Landfill Slopes	669	(34)
Lee W. Abramson
Unique Nature of Landfills	669	(1)
Typical Landfill Configurations	669	(6)
Landfill Waste Engineering Properties	675	(4)
Geosynthetics in Landfills and Engineering Properties	679	(9)
Geomembranes	680	(1)
Geotextiles	680	(1)
Geonets	680	(2)
Geogrids	682	(2)
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs)	684	(1)
Engineering Properties of Geosynthetics	685	(1)
Anchor Trenches	686	(2)
Landfill Construction	688	(4)
Slope Stability Considerations	692	(11)
Excavation Slope Stability	693	(3)
Waste Fill Stability	696	(4)
Cover System Stability	700	(2)
References	702	(1)
Index	703