Study of the Clay Shale Slopes Along the Panama Canal
Study of the Clay Shale Slopes Along the Panama Canal

Author: Don C. Banks

Publisher:

Published: 1975

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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This report summarizes the results of engineering studies and analyses which provide guidance on shear strength parameters applicable to the stability evaluation of existing slopes along the Gaillard Cut, the effects of future modifications, and evaluation of newly excavated slopes in clay shales. 128 undisturbed 6-in.-diam core samples of clay shales were obtained for laboratory testing from 10 borings at 9 sites along the Gaillard Cut. Piezometers and slope indicators were installed to monitor pore water pressures with depth, determine groundwater conditions, and detect slide movements. Material properties determined in the laboratory provided information on index properties, consolidation characteristics, and shear strength for the Culebra, Cucaracha, and La Boca formation. Existing shear strength data for these formations and the Las Cascadas formation and the Pedro Miguel agglomerate are incorporated, and comparisons made. Slope stability analyses of 98 past slides at 64 locations provided estimated shear strengths required for initial slides and reactivated slides during and after construction in all of the above formations. Comparisons are made with shear strengths from laboratory tests. Four active slopes investigated in the field were analyzed in detail to provide shear strengths required for stability under existing conditions. Engineering information on surface crack patterns, blockage depths of bore holes, surface movements, rainfall data, and groundwater levels was obtained.

Study of Clay Shale Slopes Along the Panama Canal
Study of Clay Shale Slopes Along the Panama Canal

Author: Don C. Banks

Publisher:

Published: 1978

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13:

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This report was previously submitted (April 1978) by the author to the University of Illinois in partial fulfillment or requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering. The reported work was conducted as an adjunct study to a long-term and broad effort entitled 'Study of Clay Shale Slopes Along the Panama Canal' conducted by personnel of the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station under the author's supervision. The work consists of a documentation of a case history in which the occurrence and nature of initial failures or 'breaks' were described and pin-pointed with respect to time, location, and extent; the geological setting and groundwater conditions were described; physical tests, with emphasis on laboratory determination of strength parameters, were conducted; and back analyses were conducted along nine cross sections constructed through six initial breaks to compare the required field strength parameters with parameters determined in laboratory tests. Important results and conclusions from this Supplemental Report as well as Reports 1, 2, and 3 of the series will be presented in Report 4, which summarizes the overall study.

Engineering Sites
Engineering Sites

Author:

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 862

ISBN-13: 0444598014

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Developments in Geotechnical Engineering, Vol. 14B: Rockslides and Avalanches, 2: Engineering Sites focuses on initiatives to offer a foundation for studies of mass movement phenomena in the Western Hemisphere. The selection first takes a look at the contributions of Josef Stini to engineering, geology, and slope movement investigations, the concept of Karl Terzhagi on rockslides, and the contributions of Laurits Bjerrum to the mechanics of rockslides. Concerns cover stability of hard rock slopes, influence of geological details, relation between slide process and remedial treatment, water pressure in pores and fractures, slope creep, rockslides, and avalanches, and early warning of an impending slide. The publication then examines rock slope movements with hydroelectric power projects in Mexico, Bighorn Reservoir slides in Montana, U.S.A., rock avalanche and wave at Chungar, Peru, and wedge rockslides in Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa in Montana. The text examines Hogarth Pit slope failure in Ontario, Canada, pit slope performance in shale in Wyoming U.S.A., Twin Buttes pit slope failure in Arizona, U.S.A., and the Prime Mine slope failure in Arizona, U.S.A. Discussions focus on stability analyses, description of slope failures, cause of failure, remedial actions, geotechnical properties of tertiary shales, and subsequent slope performance. The selection is a valuable source of data for researchers interested in rockslides and avalanches.