A deep seated movement in a marly-arenaceous formation: Analysis of slope deformation and pore pressure influence

The case history of a deep-seated slope movement in a complex rock formation (Marly-Arenaceous Formation) is analyzed. The movement, monitored for more than 20 years, was recognized after the discovery of intense cracking in the concrete lining of a hydraulic tunnel running across the slope. The time history of displacements shows that the ongoing deformation process is essentially a stationary creep phenomenon, also influenced by transient variations in pore pressure distribution. The slip surface is formed by a tectonized clay gouge layer and the mobilized shear strength is close to residual. The slope has been modelled (UDEC code) as a complex blocky structure defined by several joint sets: bedding joints, inclined and sub-vertical discontinuities. Different geometries of the slip surface, reasonably varied within the range of hypotheses compatible with field evidences, have limited influence on the limit friction angle of the slip surface. Joint patterns have influence on the deformation mode and minor impact on the mobilized friction angle. The model response is less sensitive to the water level at the slope toe as compared to the rise of groundwater table.