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Seepage induced slope instability
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Seepage induced slope instability

Te-Yang Soong and Robert M. Koerner
Geotextiles and geomembranes, v 14(7), pp 425-445
1996

Abstract

The incidence of seepage induced failures has decreased significantly due to the drainage layers being placed above geosynthetic lined slopes. Unfortunately, a few long-term failures have occurred due to fines accumulated in the drainage layers at the toe of the slope. Thus buildup of seepage force can occur over time. This paper presents the requisite models and equations to analyze such seepage buildup. Two different seepage submergence ratio concepts are offered. An example problem and a parametric design clearly show the severity of the situation. Full submergence of a cover soil will effectively reduce the slope's factor-of-safety by 50%. Guidelines on submergence ratios from zero to fully saturated are offered. While the analysis of the situation is now available, the preferred design strategy is to avoid seepage forces altogether. To do so, toe drainage systems must be opened up significantly more than the current practice seems to indicate. Some recommended sketches are offered.

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Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Geological
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
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