Effective stress analysis of the stability of embankments on soft soils

1982 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Pilot ◽  
B. Trak ◽  
P. La Rochelle
Keyword(s):  
Stress Analysis ◽  
Effective Stress ◽  
Total Stress ◽  
Soft Soils ◽  
Effective Stresses ◽  
Methods Of Analysis ◽  
Effective Stress Analysis ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Stress Analyses

This paper presents the results of a study of stability by effective stress analysis of four embankments that were built to failure; three of these embankments are located in Narbonne, Lanester, and Cubzac in France, and the fourth one in Saint-Alban, Québec. After an outline of the procedures followed to obtain the required data and parameters, a brief discussion is presented on the defects inherent in the methods of analysis in terms of effective stresses. The factors of safety obtained by the effective stress analyses are compared with the results of total stress analyses. It is concluded that, in spite of the limitations of the method of effective stress analysis, this approach, as used in the present paper, remains a useful tool for the engineer.

A Study of a Large Compacted Clay Embankment-Fill Failure

1965 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-286
Author(s):  
Alan E Insley
Keyword(s):  
Shear Strength ◽  
Stress Analysis ◽  
Safety Factor ◽  
Effective Stress ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Average Moisture Content ◽  
Compacted Clay ◽  
Total Stress ◽  
Compacted Soil ◽  
Effective Stress Analysis

The paper describes the failure during construction of a proposed 70 ft. high railway embankment fill. The fill was built of a uniform clay of medium plasticity which was used at an average moisture content of 3 per cent greater than had been provided for in the design. The fill failed under its own weight when it reached a height of 55 feet.In order to assist in the design of stabilizing works three test holes were drilled in the fill and soil samples recovered. Properties of field compacted and laboratory compacted soil samples are compared. The age of both types of samples is shown to have a significant effect on the test results.Both total and effective stress analyses of the embankment at failure have been performed using the laboratory values of soil strength. The total stress analysis gives a safety factor of 1.0 at failure whereas the effective stress analysis gives a safety factor of 1.2. The hazards of choosing the correct value of laboratory shear strength for the total stress analysis are discussed.

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