Dynamic Simulation of the Reinforced Slope Failure at Chi-Nan University during the 1999 Chi-Chi Earthquake

This chapter describes how a reinforced slope, 60 to 80 meters high and 180 meters long, located at the entrance to the National Chi-Nan University collapsed during the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake. Although the Chi-Chi earthquake was the most severe earthquake in the past 100 years in Taiwan, the geologic conditions at the site and some design deficiencies may also play roles in the failure of the reinforced slope. Dynamic simulation of the reinforced slope using the finite element method (FEM) software PLAXIS was conducted. The results show that the slip surface took place along a thin layer of clayey materials. The reinforced slope with a low ratio of reinforcement length to height is blamed for the instability of the slope. In addition, the low strength of the recompacted backfill of a previous failed slope may also cause failure.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0824742540
• Corporate Authors:

  Marcel Dekker, Incorporated

  270 Madison Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10016
• Authors:
  • Chou, Nelson NS
  • Fan, Chia-Cheng
• Publication Date: 2003

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 465-479
• Monograph Title: Reinforced Soil Engineering. Advances in Research and Practice

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Backfill soils; Earthquake engineering; Earthquake resistant design; Earthquake resistant structures; Earthquakes; Finite element method; Ground settlement; Random vibration; Seismicity; Slope stability
• Identifier Terms: Chi-Chi Earthquake (Taiwan)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Reinforced soils
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01041661
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0824742540
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 30 2007 1:32PM