Field instrumentations and monitoring of GeoBarrier System for steep slope protection

Rahardjo, J., Kim, Y. , Gofar, N., Leong, E. C., Wang, C. L. and Wong, J. L.H. (2018) Field instrumentations and monitoring of GeoBarrier System for steep slope protection. Transportation Geotechnics, 16, pp. 29-42. (doi: 10.1016/j.trgeo.2018.06.006)

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Abstract

This paper illustrates the application of capillary barrier system as protection of steep slope from rainfall-induced slope instability. In this regard, the mechanical instability of the slope is protected by a reinforced soil system with geobag as facing and geogrids as slope reinforcement. Combination of slope reinforcement and capillary barrier system to protect steep slope forms a GeoBarrier System (GBS). The capillary barrier was constructed using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) of different particle sizes as fine- and coarse-grained layers. The fine-grained material was encapsulated in a geobag while the coarse-grained material is laid between the reinforced soil and the geobag. A pilot study was carried out in Singapore to evaluate the performance of the GBS when subjected to rainfall infiltration. The site was instrumented with a rain-gauge and two piezometers to monitor rainfall and groundwater response to rainfall. The slope was instrumented with tensiometers and soil moisture sensors as well as earth pressure cells to monitor the response to rainfall infiltration in terms of matric suction and deformation. An adjacent original slope was also instrumented to investigate the effectiveness of the GBS in reducing rainfall infiltration and maintaining the negative pore-water pressure. The detailed installation and instrumentation of the GBS and original slopes are discussed in this paper. Results show that the GBS was effective in maintaining the negative pore-water pressure; therefore, in maintaining the stability of the slope. On the other hand, the negative pore-water pressure and lateral earth pressure in the original slope were more affected by rainfall infiltration.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kim, Dr Yongmin
Authors: Rahardjo, J., Kim, Y., Gofar, N., Leong, E. C., Wang, C. L., and Wong, J. L.H.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
Journal Name:Transportation Geotechnics
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:2214-3912
ISSN (Online):2214-3912
Published Online:25 June 2018

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