A multilateral analysis of slope failure due to liquefaction-induced lateral deformation using shaking table tests

Abstract

Liquefaction-induced lateral displacement can cause substantial deformations and trigger failure in the saturated sandy slopes. This study elaborates on the results of a shaking table experiment performed on a saturated sandy slope model. A transparent Plexiglass container was used to allow visualization of the time-dependent ground displacements at different grid points. Using colored sand grid along with the video-tracking analysis technique provided an excellent opportunity for instant monitoring of the model deformation in both the time and space domains. Furthermore, the pore pressure buildup and dissipation in the soil medium and acceleration time histories of the model were recorded and analyzed. Detailed and comprehensive analyses of the high-resolution recorded data streams resulted in the determination of the onset of liquefaction and the induced subsidence, acceleration response, deformation behavior, and shear strain progress through time and depth at different slope sections. It was also found that the shear strain rate was different in the on-slope and free field locations, and its value was proportional to the liquefaction duration. It was also observed that the variation of the shear strain rate at different depths in the free field led to a localized sliding event.