Large deformation finite-element modelling of progressive failure leading to spread in sensitive clay slopes

Abstract

The occurrence of large landslides in sensitive clays, such as spreads, can be modelled by progressive development of large inelastic shear deformation zones (shear bands). The main objective of the present study is to perform large deformation finite-element modelling of sensitive clay slopes to simulate progressive failure and dislocation of failed soil mass using the coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) approach available in Abaqus finite-element software. The degradation of undrained shear strength with plastic shear strain (strain-softening) is implemented in Abaqus CEL, which is then used to simulate the initiation and propagation of shear bands due to river bank erosion. The formation of horsts and grabens and dislocation of soil masses that lead to large-scale landslides are simulated. This finite-element model explains the displacements of different blocks in the failed soil mass and also the remoulding of soil around the shear bands. The main advantages of the present finite-element model over other numerical models available in the literature are that it can simulate the whole process of progressive failure leading to spread. The finite-element results are consistent with previous conceptual models proposed from field observations. The parametric study shows that, depending upon geometry and soil properties, toe erosion could cause three types of shear band formation: (a) only a horizontal shear band without any global failure; (b) global failure of only one block of soil; (c) global failure of multiple blocks of soil in the form of horsts and grabens.