| Abstract: | This paper discusses the results of an investigation on the influence of rainfall intensity and duration on the suction distribution within a soil mass. A series of numerical analyses were conducted on an infinite slope model to simulate the responses of the slope consisting of typical soil types to various rainfall intensities and durations from selected locations in the Malaysian Peninsular. The study showed that the critical duration was governed by three major factors: the saturated permeability of the soil, the geographical location, and the depth of the slip plane. The critical rainfall duration for highly permeable soil was 1 day, while 30 days of antecedent rainfall were required for the stability analysis of a slope made of soil with low saturated permeability. The critical duration of antecedent rainfall in soils with intermediate saturated permeability was found to vary with the rainfall pattern. A chart is proposed to determine the critical duration, critical intensity and critical suction for each type of soil. |
