Analysis of a reinforced slope failure induced by the Chi-Chi (Taiwan) earthquake

A reinforced soil slope located at the entrance road of National Chi-Nan Un iversity failed during the Chi-Chi (Taiwan) Earthquake. The theme of this p aper is to provide an insight into the design, construction, and failure of this reinforced slope. The location, geometry, and configuration of the sl ope are described. A detailed field observation of slope failure is made, i n order to collect information about materials, construction, and failure m ode. The soil and reinforcement materials retrieved from field are tested f or strength properties. Slope stability analyses including pseudo-static an d stress deformation analyses are performed. pseudo-static analysis reveals that the failure is likely induced by a pseudo-static coefficient between 0.4 and 0.5. The stress deformation analysis reveals that shear strain is i nitiated at the top and bottom connections between reinforced zone and natu ral soil. The critical failure surfaces estimated from field observation, p seudo-static analysis, and stress deformation analysis compare reasonably w ell.