Stability analysis of high slope subjected to heavy rainfall in Pingtou Village of Wuyi County, Zhejiang Province

Based on the theorem of saturated-unsaturated infiltration, the numerical model of slope stability subjected to rainfall is developed; and the codes named USLOPE-FEM are programmed to consider the influence of increase of gravity and infiltration forces and the decrease of shear strength. Taking a high slope in Pingtou Village of Wuyi County in Zhejiang Province for example, the transient seepage and stability of this slope subjected to heavy rainfall infiltration are simulated; and the slope stability is quantitatively evaluated according to the transient pore water pressure, the stress and displacement. Numerical results show that the slope is stable in normal conditions; but after the heavy rainfall(magnitude of 20 mm/h) for 24 h, the increase of water content and the moving of zero pressure surface into slope will result in local collapsing. The results are in good agreement with the actual collapse, which verifies the reliability and rationality of the numerical model and program USLOPE-FEM. All above-achieved results are acceptable for evaluating the stability of slope subjected to heavy rainfall; and a general technique idea and references for slope treatment are also provided.