Collapse of Slopes Induced by Surface Waves

	Collapse of Slopes Induced by Surface Waves Koji Uenishi Research Center for Urban Safety and Security, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan

Summary

This study addresses the effect of seismic waves on the dynamic behavior of a slope. In particular, the interaction of a Rayleigh surface wave with a wedge-shaped slope is considered. A two-dimensional model analysis shows that the superimposition of the reflected and incident waves may induce strong stress amplification and generate open cracks at the top of the slope. The analytical results are used to investigate the mechanism of slope failure caused by the 1978 Miyagi-ken-oki, Japan earthquake. Finally, the validity of conventional slope assessment criteria is discussed.

Keywords

Rayleigh wave, Earthquake-induced slope failure, Wave reflection and transmission, Phase shift, Critical slope inclination.

Related Publications

Uenishi, K. (2010). On a Possible Role of Rayleigh Surface Waves in Dynamic Slope Failures. Int. J. Geomech., 10(4), 153-160.
Uenishi, K., and S. Sakurai (2015). Dynamic Tensile Cracking in Slopes Possibly Induced by Rayleigh Surface Waves. Geomechanics and Geoengineering: An International Journal, 10(3), 212-222.

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