Stability of Road Embankments in Soft Clay

Abstract

Slides in soft marine clays frequently occur during construction of road embankments in Norway. This paper outlines the routine procedure used for a stability analysis of such embankments, based on a total stress concept. Using these procedures, eight slides were investigated, and it was found that the minimum factor of safety obtained could give a too conservative picture of the actual conditions. The minimum factor of safety, which is the one normally used, varied between 0.73 and 1.10. Taking all uncertainties into consideration, an analysis based on a total stress concept as outlined herein must be considered acceptable. The study gives no basis for evaluating the accuracy of the measured shear strength values.