Abstract
The cause of shallow-depth slope failure triggered by heavy rainfall was studied by performing in-situ investigation of soil conditions at four sites of recent slope failures in Japan. The investigation included soil sampling, laboratory testing to determine the strength parameters and slope stability analyses. The results of the study showed that, in the case of near-surface sliding occurring on a slope of 30°to 45° angle, the reduction in strength due to infiltration of water into the soil was the major cause for triggering the slope failures.
