ABSTRACT
Rainfall is one of the main causes to slope failure. In this study, centrifuge model tests are conducted to observe the response of the sand-clay layered slopes subject to rainfall. The rainfall induces significant deformation and failure of the sand-clay layered slope that is affected by the rainfall infiltration characteristics of the dual structure. The slope failure is progressive and caused by a few local failure cycles one by one as the rainfall increases. The wetting front moves from the slope surface to the interior as the rainfall increases and the move rate is significant greater in the sand than in the clay. The water accumulates on the top surface of the clay layer and becomes the main sources of the water infiltration of the clay layer. The sand layer has an obvious effect on the deformation of neighboring clay layer of the slope during the rainfall.
