LONG-TERM STRENGTH OF EMBANKMENT MATERIALS: SHALE AND COLLUVIUM. FINAL REPORT

The general objective is to evaluate the strength properties of the shale and colluvium used in embankment construction and to relate these properties to embankment performance. Specifically, this research investigated six embankments along I-77 in Noble and Washington Counties that contained shales from the Conemaugh, Monongahela, and Washington Formations. Several of these embankments have suffered at least one failure. The investigation consists of laboratory measurement of the material properties, field measurement of embankment performance, and analysis of the embankment stability and infiltration. The results of the investigation lead to the conclusion that infiltration of rainfall causes the saturation of a layer near the surface of the embankment slopes. This layer is about 5 to 6 feet thick. Slope failure is initiated as small slips develop in the saturated zone. The small slips gradually grow and combine to form a slide. This mode of failure can be prevented by improving drainage of the slope and use of soil reinforcement to prevent the development of the small slips. Several designs using geotextiles for drainage and reinforcement are proposed for remedial construction.

• Corporate Authors:

  Ohio State University, Columbus

  Department of Civil Engineering
  Hitchcock Hall 470
  Columbus, OH  United States  43210

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  P.O. Box 889
  Columbus, OH  United States  43215

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Wu, T H
• Publication Date: 1987-7

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 139 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Colluvium; Drainage; Embankments; Failure analysis; Field tests; Geotextiles; Infiltration; Laboratory tests; Material reinforcement; Mechanical stability; Rainfall; Shale; Slip boundary conditions; Slope stability; Strength of materials
• Uncontrolled Terms: Field measurements; Slips
• Old TRIS Terms: Embankment stability
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00464588
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/OH-87/008
• Contract Numbers: 14355(0)
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Dec 31 1987 12:00AM