Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R91830/01
Title:	Influence of Seasonal Cycles on the Stability of Slopes and Embankments
Principal Investigator:	Bolton, Professor MD
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:	Dr W Take
Project Partners:	Geotechnical Engineering Office Highways England
Department:	Engineering
Organisation:	University of Cambridge
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	12 June 2002	Ends:	11 June 2004	Value (£):	175,206
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Ground Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Construction
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The response of slopes to varying conditions of infiltration and evaporation will be studied in a specially designed atmospheric chamber, flying on a large centrifuge. Cycles between 100% (a rainfall of mist ) and 40% relative humidity will correspond with severe wet and dry annual seasons. Each centrifuge test will correspond with many years of cyclical weather. The varying suction within slopes will be monitored using miniature tensiometers. The mechanism of fatigue of overconsolidated clay slopes subject to cycles of wetting and drying will be observed through close range photogrammetry and digital image correlation. The opening of tension cracks, and the formation of shear bands, will be observed. Limiting tension and cracking will be correlated with indirect and direct tension tests on bench specimens similarly monitored for suction. Back analyses will show the onset of progressive failure, and the loss both of true cohesion and tensile strength. Creep downslope (solifluction) due to wetting and drying will be observed, and a method of prediction will be suggested. The failure mechanisms of more granular slopes, made of Hong Kong completely decomposed granite, will be contrasted with the clay. Here, brittleness should be due only to loss of dilation, but the speed of failure is expected to depend on the rate of water infiltration. Methods of prediction will be derived. Drainage measures for slopes will be reviewed in the light of all these findings.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.cam.ac.uk