Voulgari, Chrysoula (2017) Engineering modelling of the progressive retreat of cliffs. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

In this thesis, the morphologic evolution of uniform c, φ slopes subject to successive failures is investigated. The research is conducted in two parts; the analytical part (employing the limit analysis upper bound method) and the experimental (by small scale model tests).

An experimental prototype model to study the influence of water infiltration on the morphologic evolution of natural cliffs subject to progressive retreat is presented. A set of small scale laboratory tests is designed to investigate successive failures. The failure is reached by applying rainfall on the slope through a rainfall simulator device. The moisture content and the suction of the soil during the tests are monitored by soil moisture sensors and tensiometers that are buried inside the slope model. High resolution cameras record the behaviour of the slope model and GeoPIV is used to analyse the frames and obtain the deformations of the slope model during the tests. After a short time of rainfall, vertical cracks appear in the slope model with significant vertical deformations developing. Experimental results indicate that there is a strong connection between moisture content and the occurrence of a landslide. A prediction model of slope failures can be introduced based on the observed moisture content response of the slope models.

For the analytical part a semi analytical model on the evolution of intact and slopes with fissures is illustrated. A general analytical solution for the assessment of the stability of homogeneous slopes obeying the linear Mohr-Coulomb criterion accounting for strength degradation, seismic action, formation of tension cracks and seepage is presented and a parametric analysis is run to assess the effect of each factor on cliff evolution. The so-called pseudo-static approach and the pore pressure coefficient ru are employed. Results for a range of internal shearing resistance angle (φ) values of engineering interest are presented in the form of dimensionless ready-to-use stability charts.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	Q Science > QE Geology T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Landslide hazard analysis, Landslides -- Forecasting, Landslides -- Mathematical models, Slopes (Soil mechanics) -- Stability, Cliffs, Coast changes -- Forecasting
Official Date:	January 2017
Dates:	Date Event January 2017 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	School of Engineering
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Utili, Stefano
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	xxiii, 214 pages : illustrations, charts
Language:	eng

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