Overview of Stability Analysis Between Flat Clayey Soil and Collapsing Soil on Slopes

Introduction

1. Flat Clayey Soil

  • Definition : Flat clayey soil refers to earth that contains a high concentration of montmorilonite clay minerals. When submerged, particles flatten and expand, exhibiting swelling behavior. 
  • Determination Method
    1. Flat Potential (Ep) : Calculated as the ratio of flat centrality (Z) to absorption (ΔH). If Ep is greater than or equal to 0.5, it is classified as flat clayey soil; if less than 0.5, it is non-flat soil. 

2. Collapsing Soil

  • Definition: Collapsing soil, such as loess and volcnic ash sediments, decreases in volume significantly even without external force when wet. 
  • Determination method: 

1. Collapse Potential (Cp) : Measures the percentage change in volume upon wetting. A Cp value greater than 5 classifies it as collapsing soil, and less than 5 as non-collapsing soil. 

Issues with slope stability

1. Fluid Activity

  • Flat Clayey soil : Drying and shrinking of the exposed surface can lead to cracking and fluid activity. 
  • Collapsing soil : The reduction in compressive strength when wet can greatly increase the likelihood of fluid activity. 

2. Slope Shape During Rainfall

  • During rain, flat clayey soil shows a tendency for movement, decreasing slope stability, whereas collapsing soil is at high risk of rapid failure. 

3. Large-Scale Landslides

  • During the rainy Season : Both types of soils, especially on steep slopes, are highly susceptible to large-scale landslides. 

Factors Governing Stability 

1. Potential Values

  • The stability of the ground varies with the potential values (Ep and Cp), influencing design approaches. 

2. Thickness of Soil Layer or Height of slope

  • Greater thickness or height increases instability. 

3. Degree of slope Inclination 

  • The steeper the slope, the greater the instability ; slopes steeper than 1:1.5 require specific reinforcement measures. 

4. Degree of Slope Reinforcement

  • Even properly reinforces slopes need regular inspection; insufficient reinforcement can lead to massive failures. 

Conclusion

1. Necessity for Stability Review in Design : When designing slopes or foundations in flat clayey or collapsing soils, a thorough stability review is essential, along with proper slope shape design and numerical analysis. 

2. Design changes Based on Potential : Designs must be adapted based on the soil's potential values to ensure stability. 




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