The Stability of Unsaturated Lateritic Slopes Under Rainfall Conditions Considering Shear Strength Variability
Abstract
Rainfall-induced slope failures pose significant risks and economic impacts globally. This study investigates the impact of rainfall on the hydromechanical behavior and stability of unsaturated lateritic slopes, commonly found in tropical regions. By employing both experimental and computational analyses, this research goes beyond traditional assumptions about soil behavior, providing an insight into the behavior of clayey and sandy lateritic soils in unsaturated condition. A probabilistic Monte Carlos analysis highlights the critical role of the variability of soil strength parameters on the assessment of slope stability. Detailed experimental design and computational modeling capture the complex interactions between hydraulic and mechanical soil behaviors, contributing substantial empirical data to geotechnical engineering fields. Notably, the shear strength prediction models adapted for unsaturated soils significantly influence slope behavior, demonstrating similar patterns in factor of safety reduction across different hydraulic models during rainwater infiltration. The analysis also confirmed hydraulic parameters with marked differences in porosity and water retention capacities between the soils impacting their susceptibility to saturation and shear strength reduction under similar conditions. This comprehensive approach not only advances our understanding of lateritic soils under changing climatic conditions but also enhances the predictive capabilities for slope stability, guiding effective risk management and engineering practices in tropical regions.