Small-scale physical modelling of slope failures in sands

Abstract

This paper deals with small-scale physical and numerical calculation of slope stability. The aim is to define the critical slope angle at which failure occurs. The slope is constructed from material used in tailings dam construction. Many laboratory tests have been made to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the soil. The analyzed results show that the material is classified as silty sand. The first physical model refers to infinite slope with 45° slope angle under loaded conditions which represent an upslope extension. The second model wasn’t subjected to an external load, but raised upward to increase the slope angle until failure. The results show that the first slope fails when 13 kPa external load was applied. In the second case the failure occurs for 62° slope angle. A shallow slope failure occurs in both cases. To better understand the slope failure mechanism in such materials and to obtain more objective and reliable soil parameters for further investigation, a beck analysis method was used.