DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDELINES FOR CUTS IN LOESS SOILS. PHASE I - FINAL REPORT

The first phase of a three-phase research investigation of cut slope design criteria for southeastern Washington loess has been completed. A literature review of engineering properties of loess from othe locales and design criteria applied by various state transportation departments was conducted. Also, a preliminary field investigation was made to collect representative soil samples and record failure mechanisms. Past research has revealed that proper drainage control in combination with water content and gradational characteristics are the primary factors influencing cut slope performance in loessials soils. Analysis of 40 soil samples collected during the field study demonstrate a close similarity between southeastern Washington loess and deposits from the central United States. Although physical properties are similar, differing climates produce a disparity in failure mechanisms between midwestern and southeastern Washington loessial deposits. (Author)

• Record URL:
  http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/069.1.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Washington State University, Pullman

  Washington State Transportation Center
  Pullman, WA  United States  99164

  Washington State Department of Transportation

  Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Avenue SE, P.O. Box 47300
  Olympia, WA  United States  98504-7300

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Higgins, J D
  • FRAGASZY, R J
  • Beard, L D
• Publication Date: 1985-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: 105 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregate gradation; Design; Drainage; Embankments; Failure; Guidelines; Loess; Moisture content
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design criteria
• Old TRIS Terms: Gradation; Loess soils
• Subject Areas: Construction; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00454390
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: WA-RD 69.1
• Contract Numbers: Y-2811
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 31 1986 12:00AM