Failure Mechanism of Slope Covered with Shotcrete in a Centrifuge

Abstract

The maintenance of slope stabilization works performed during the rapid economic growth period of Japan (1955—1973) has increased in recent years. During that period, slopes were mostly stabilized by shotcreting, which can protect the slope from water intrusion and erosion. Every year, some accidents take place during the maintenance of such shotcreted slopes in Japan, and such industrial accidents are likely to increase as more maintenance work is done. This paper first describes the failure of slopes covered with shotcrete at construction sites during removal of the old shotcrete. It then describes the results of centrifuge model tests conducted to simulate the slope failure.