EFFECT OF RAIN INFILTRATION ON THE STABILITY OF SLOPES

The paper presents general conclusions derived from a two dimensional unsaturated flow analysis coupled with a slope stability evaluation using limit equilibrium analysis. The change in strength is taken into account by means of a linear increment of apparent cohesion with suction. The evolution of safety factor in a typical clay, silt and silty-sand slope is obtained for various rainfall histories. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out in order to obtain the influence of rain duration and intensity, shape of the water retention relationship and water permeability. Finally the method developed for slope stability analysis in partially saturated soils is applied to study a natural, non homogeneous slope located in Ancona (Italy). (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 881647.