The shear strength mobilised in first-time slides in highly overconsolidated clays
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Published:2004
G. Urciuoli, L. Picarelli, 2004. "The shear strength mobilised in first-time slides in highly overconsolidated clays", Advances in geotechnical engineering: The Skempton conference: Proceedings of a three day conference on advances in geotechnical engineering, organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers and held at the Royal Geographical Society, London, UK, on 29–31 March 2004
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As stressed by Skempton, the shear strength which is mobilised in first-time slides in highly overconsolidated clays can be much less than the peak shear strength measured in ordinary laboratory tests. This paper is devoted to this subject, focusing on the changes of the stress field which precede slope failure. In particular, it is shown that in many cases slope failure must imply a rotation of the principal stresses causing the development of shear strains in a zone whose thickness depends on the initial stress field. In brittle soils this can produce a decrease of the shear strength from the peak to a value comprised between the peak and the critical strength even without formation of a slip surface.
Foreword
Skempton's contribution
Considerations about the mechanics of slope failure
A strain-softening mechanism in brittle soils
More complex slope failures
Further considerations and conclusions
References
