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
- 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.