Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 9.121
The 60-m-high slope of
Figure 9.116
before treatment. The lower portions have been excavated into relatively
sound gneiss. The workers (in circle) give the scale. Several large blocks weighing many tons broke loose
during early phases when some scaling of loose blocks was undertaken.
Earth pressures are determined (magnitude, location, and direction), as influenced by
the slope inclination and height; location and magnitude of surcharge loads; wall type,
configuration and dimensions; depth of embedment; magnitude and direction of wall
movement; soil parameters for natural materials and borrowed backfill; and seepage
forces.
Stability of gravity walls is evaluated with respect to adequacy against overturning,
sliding along the base, foundation bearing failure, and settlement. The slope must be eval-
uated with respect to formation of a possible failure surface beneath the wall.
