ABSTRACT
To investigate the mobilization of rainfall-induced slope failures, constant shear stress drained triaxial tests were performed on two sets of soil samples obtained at a natural slope where a series of rain-induced landslides occurred in the past. One batch of soil (Sample #1) from upslope was gravelly sand, while the other batch (Sample #2) obtained down slope was silty sand. The effects of various parameters, which are related to the initial condition of slope, on the progress of deformation during the infiltration process were investigated. The results showed a difference in the mode of deformation of the two types of soils, with gravelly sand exhibiting dilative behavior while silty sand showing contractive response. Consequently, this affected the failure pattern and rate of deformation of the slope during the water infiltration process.
