Investigation of the parameters affecting the stability of unsaturated soil slope subjected to rainfall

In this study, impacts of some parameters on stability of unsaturated soil slope were investigated in a region, where slope instabilities were frequently observed during rainy seasons. The investigated parameters are rainfall (density and duration), hydraulic conductivity and slope inclination. A semi-parametric study was performed using a data including the actual rainfall data and soil properties of the region. Therefore, the current slope stability and effects of parameters were examined at the same time. The change in suction pressures due to rainfall was obtained by numerical method. Limit equilibrium method was used to analyze slope stability and considering decrease in shear strength of soil due to change in pore water pressure. Result of the analyses, the effects of parameters on slope stability and reasons of slope instabilities during rainy period were shown. © 2019 Turkish Chamber of Civil Engineers. All rights reserved.