Analyses of centrifuge modelling for artificially sensitive clay slopes

Slope stability of sensitive clayey soils is particularly important when subjected to strength loss and deformation. Except for progressive failure, for most sensitive and insensitive slopes, it is important to review the feasibility of conventional analysis methods based on peak strength since peak strength governs slope stability before yielding. In this study, as a part of efforts to understand the behavior of sensitive clay slopes, a total of 12 centrifuge tests were performed for artificially sensitive and insensitive clay slopes using San Francisco Bay Mud (PI = 50) and Yolo Loam (PI = 10). In terms of slope stability, the results were analyzed using the updated instability factor (NI). NI using equivalent unit weight to cause a failure is in reasonable agreement shown in the Taylor\'s chart (NI ~ 5.5). In terms of dynamic deformation, it is shown that two-way sliding is a more accurate approach than conventional one-way sliding. Two-way sliding may relate to diffused shear surfaces. The outcome of this study is contributable to analyzing stability and deformation of steep sensitive clay slopes.