Factors affecting slope stability | Causes of Slope Failure

Factors affecting slope stability

Slope stability is affected by the following factors.

• Strength of soil and rock.
• Type of soil and stratification.
• Discontinuities and planes of weakness.
• Groundwater table and seepage through the slope.
• External loading.
• Geometry of the slope.

Causes of slope failure

Following are different causes of slope failure.

• Erosion.
• Rainfall.
• Earthquakes.
• Geological factors.
• External loading.
• Construction activities such as excavation of slopes and filling of slopes.
• Rapid drawdown*.
• Increment of pore water pressure.
• The change in topography.

 *Drawdown : a lowering of water level.

Methods to improve and protect slope stability

Slope stability can be improved by taking following actions.

• Slopes are made flattened or benched.
• Weight provided at toe.
• Lowering of ground water table to reduce pore pressure in the slope.
• Use of driven or cast-in place piles.
• Retaining wall or sheet piling provided to increase resistance to sliding.