Pore water pressure in rock slopes and rockfill slopes subject to dynamic loading

Abstract

A simplified method for simulating the response of rockfill and rock slopes subject to a dynamic load is presented. A pore pressure analysis is incorporated into a dynamic slope stability computer program, the Linear Acceleration Dynamic Response of Slopes -- Multiple Degrees of Freedom (LADRS-MDF), developed by Dr. C.E. Glass of the University of Arizona. LADRS-MDF is based on Barton's empirical shear strength criteria and uses the entire acceleration time history. The dynamic water pressure analysis depends on the slope conditions. Only the transient water pressure is present in material where the excess pore pressure dissipation exceeds the excess pore pressure generation. When excess pore pressure generation is greater than the dissipation, a water pressure buildup is present along with the transient pore water pressure.