Coupling action of rainfall and vehicle loads impact on the stability of loess slopes based on the iso-water content layer

Abstract

To clarify the changes in slope stability of loess slopes under the coupling action of rainfall and vehicle loads. Experiments with different water contents under different environmental conditions were carried out indoors, and the relationship function between water content and shear strength parameters was obtained; Secondly, based on Geostudio, an equivalent layered calculation model of water content-strength parameters of loess slope was established, the variation law of soil sample matrix suction with volumetric water content was measured by volumetric pressure plate tester. Finally, by using a combination of finite element analysis of saturated/unsaturated seepage and limit equilibrium analysis of slope stability, the SLOPE/W module in the modeling software GeoStudio is used to calculate and analyze the effects of vehicle loads, rainfall intensity, rainfall duration, and other working conditions on the stability of loess slopes, respectively. The results show that when the lane is in the middle of the slope, the vehicle load parameters have little effect on the uphill stability, but have a greater impact on the downhill; With the increase in rainfall, the change curves of the slope safety coefficient gradually overlap when the vehicle loads are four-axis,five-axis, and six-axis. This shows that when studying the change of slope safety factor under the dual influence of vehicle loads and rainfall, rainfall is the main cause of slope stability; The change rate of slope safety factor increases gradually with the increase of rainfall, and the change trends of the upper, lower and overall parts of the slope are similar.