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A conceptual model for the weather-induced deterioration of transport infrastructure earthworks

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Ross StirlingORCiD, Professor Stephanie Glendinning, Dr Peter HelmORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

Earthworks (embankments and cuttings) are a critical component of long, linear transport infrastructure such as highways and railways. Evidence shows that the performance of clay earthworks deteriorates over time in response to seasonal weather cycles and periods of prolonged or extreme weather. The resulting pore water pressure cycles drive earthwork slope displacement and slope failure at the end of an earthwork’s serviceable life. Evidence from published case studies, laboratory experiments and numerical simulations were used to create a conceptual model of the deterioration processes affecting earthwork slopes. The conceptual model includes key statements about earthwork deterioration that are supported by published data. The statements are divided into four broad categories. These are (i) Micro-scale deformation & breakdown, (ii) Macro-scale deformation, (iii) Change in soil hydraulic properties, and (iv) Change in soil strength and stiffness. The conceptual model has been used by researchers within the EPSRC-funded ACHILLES Programme to identify key research gaps and explore deterioration processes across material scales (soil element scale, slope scale and network scale).

Publication metadata

Author(s): González YT, Briggs K, Stirling R, Dijkstra T, Glendinning S, Helm PR

Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)

Publication status: Published

Conference Name: 14th Congress of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG XIV Congress 2023)

Year of Conference: 2023

Online publication date: 27/09/2023

Acceptance date: 02/04/2018

Date deposited: 06/04/2022

URL: https://iaeg2022.org/

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