Slopes - Geotechnical Investigation and Design Tables - page 170

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Rock slopes can be extremely steep to vertical.

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Typically only slightly weathered or fresh natural slopes are sub-vertical to vertical.

14.2 Factors causing slope movements
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The macro factors causing slope movements are outlined below.

Table 14.2 Macro factors causing slope movements.

Macro factor Effects

Tectonics Increased height that results in an angle change.

Weathering Chemical and physical processes resulting in disintegration and break down of

material. Subsequent removal of the material by water.

Water Removes material, either in a small-scale surface erosion or major undercutting

of cliffs and gullies. Aided by wind and gravity. Water Increases dead weight of
material and /or increased internal pressure to dislodge the material.

Gravitational Downward movements of material due to its dead weight.

Dynamic Due to natural vibrations such as earthquakes, waves or man made such as

piling and blasting.

Figure 14.1 Slope definitions.