Uncertainty Evaluation in Slope Failure using Centrifuge Model Tests

Strong nonlinear behavior such as slope failure involves large uncertainties. Even if we conduct model tests on slope failure under the same test conditions, we cannot reproduce the same results although the linear behavior can be reproduced with relative ease. This kind of uncertainties is well known as “aleatory uncertainty” and they should be distinguished clearly from the epistemic uncertainty in reliability-based design. However, characteristics of aleatory uncertainty have not been studied very well so far. This study quantitatively investigates the aleatory uncertainties involved in failure behavior of slopes thorough centrifuge model tests. The centrifuge model tests were conducted under the same test conditions twenty times to quantitatively investigate the variability of slip lines

Diagnosis of Earth-Fill Dams by Several Sounding Tests

The spatial distribution of the strength inside an earth-fill dam is identified by sounding tests. In this research, the Swedish Weight Sounding (SWS) test is employed, and the spatially high-density test is possible to identify the spatial correlation structure by the SWS. The correlation structure of an earth-fill could be identified accurately based on the sounding results, and the high resolution of the spatial distribution could be visualized by using the indicator simulation. Consequently, it has been verified the practical use of the spatial distribution of the probability that the N-value is lower than the threshold value, may be used for the maintenance of an earth-fill dam