Centrifuge modelling of rainfall-induced slope failure in variably saturated soil

Abstract This paper presents the results of centrifuge tests on rainfall-induced instabilities in variably saturated slopes. The roles rainfall intensity and initial conditions, such as slope angle, porosity degree saturation soil, failure initiation postfailure kinematics are considered. patterns, infiltration profile deformation at prefailure stages characterized. indicate that failures usually follow one following two modes, i.e. slide-to-flow flowslide modes. former pattern is characterized by soil mass flow after along a continuous shear surface, while latter more relevant to rapid increase resulting surface erosion channels followed acceleration mass. gives rise several superficial surfaces longer run-out distances. profiles play key initiating stage subsequently mobilizing stage. Our test data, together with data from literature, presented threshold curves define critical condition under infiltration.