Structure Degradation Induced by Wetting and Drying Cycles for the Hilly Granitic Soils in Collapsing Gully Erosion Areas

The hydrological and mechanical properties of granitic residual soils can be significantly altered by periodical wetting drying (W-D) cycles. soil structure degradation induced W-D cycles lead to mass failure collapsing gully erosion in hilly slopes south China. However, limited attempts have been made at a comprehensive investigation the effects on soils, especially pedon scale. purpose this paper is investigate structural granite explore its potential influence development erosion. properties, including hydraulic shear strength, disintegration characteristics, were performed after results indicated that pore structure, leading variations properties. Specifically, with increasing alternate cycles, initial saturated water content decreased, while conductivity increased. Meanwhile, contributed cohesion internal friction strength decreasing variables, strength. Correspondingly, was increased during Furthermore, most recorded within first two W-D. obtained indicate weaken increase rainwater infiltration, decrease resistance, accelerate A vicious cycle slope eventually formed. This study provides useful information about mechanism slopes.