Evidence of creep in steep natural slopes of Champlain Sea clay

Abstract

Three types of evidence of deep seated creep of steep natural slopes are considered: surface manifestations such as fissures and depressions; inclinometer measurements on three slopes in the Ottawa area; and movements of a bridge superstructure spanning a steep sided ravine.Results of measurements show that the movements are not continuous but occur in response to seasonal high levels of the groundwater table. The implications of the movements are discussed in relation to the stability of clay slopes.