Keywords
Laterite, Residual, Slope, Embankments, Nigeria, Tropics
Abstract
Embankments are key elements in the infrastructural development of structures such as dams, bridges, and roads. Residual soils are generally used as fills in the construction of embankments in areas were residual soils such as laterite is the dominant soil types. Laterite soils have the characteristics of losing its shear strength with time and in fully saturated conditions and its properties varies from region to region. The soil property is influenced by the chemical composition and the environment. The binding agent iron oxide in such soils changes its composition with time and in the presence of moisture. Sudden failures of embankments founded of laterite soils which were, otherwise, checked and found to be safe with high factor of safety, have been observed. This study is performed to investigate the stability of embankments with sudden loss of strength with time and when it is fully saturated. The research includes an investigation of the properties of laterite soils around the world, with particular emphasis on Nigeria. Initially, information is gathered from different sources about the strength-based properties of such soils. Previous research in Nigeria is used as a basis for obtaining real-world soil data. Next, stability analyses are performed using SLOPE/W with shear strength parameters for total stress (short-term), effective stress (long-term), and fully saturated soil conditions. A probability analysis is conducted for the fully saturated conditions because of the variability in the input parameters. Three slope configurations (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1) are considered. The study revealed that the laterite soils embankments lose most of its stability over time period and in full saturation soil conditions. Both these conditions significantly compromise the strength of the soil and the related stability of slopes. To consolidate all information, a database of the properties of laterite soils in some localities of Nigeria was created on the geographic information system (GIS), in order provide a quick access to information on laterite soils in Nigeria.
Notes
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Graduation Date
2005
Semester
Fall
Advisor
Chopra, Manoj
Degree
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Degree Program
Civil Engineering
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0000770
URL
http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0000770
Language
English
Release Date
January 2006
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
STARS Citation
Gogo-Abite, Ikiensinma, "Slope Stability Of Laterite Soil Embankments" (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 556.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/556