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Effect of anisotropic conductivity on suction and reliability index of unsaturated slope exposed to uniform antecedent rainfall

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Abstract

The authors discuss the effect of anisotropic conductivity on the suction and reliability index of an unsaturated embankment for uniform rainfall whose intensity is lower than the saturated hydraulic conductivity. The analysis is performed on good-drainage soil of a specific horizontal conductivity and various anisotropic ratios such that the vertical conductivity is reduced. The initial suction profile for the unsaturated zone is 15 kPa. The effect of the shear strength caused by matric suction in the unsaturated zone is explained by the modified Mohr–Coulomb failure criteria. The uncoupled approach of finite element method and limit equilibrium method is used to evaluate the reliability index at different elapsed time of an antecedent rainfall. The anisotropic conductivity ratios affect the volumetric water content and the suction profile. The reliability index remains practically unchanged at high anisotropic ratios but decreases noticeably at low ratios when the wetting front reaches and elevates the water table level.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (No. 2011-0014592).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea

    Khalid Mahmood, Jeong Ho Ryu & Jin Man Kim

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  1. Khalid Mahmood
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  2. Jeong Ho Ryu
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  3. Jin Man Kim
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Correspondence to Jin Man Kim.

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Mahmood, K., Ryu, J.H. & Kim, J.M. Effect of anisotropic conductivity on suction and reliability index of unsaturated slope exposed to uniform antecedent rainfall. Landslides 10, 15–22 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-012-0325-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-012-0325-9

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