ABSTRACT
Probabilistic slope stability analysis relies on estimation of the statistical variations within the input parameters. One key factor is the variability of shear strength.
Samples of London Clay from a bedding-controlled shear surface of a landslide at Warden Point, Isle of Sheppey, UK have been tested in a ring shear apparatus. At field-equivalent rates of strain they show no strain rate sensitivity. A large number of tests, involving both repeated tests on the same specimen, and tests on a variety of specimens from the same bedding-controlled basal slide surface, have been carried out. This is sufficient to determine with confidence the range of shear strength parameters which may result both from natural variability in the material encountered and from test procedures. The consequent statistical parameters represent a field / laboratory test case where the statistical variability of shear strength has been determined in detail.
Inferences are drawn from this statistical treatment to the design of remedial measures for the landslide.
