Centrifuge model test on failure of soil slope under drawdown of water level

The failure mechanism of slopes under the rapid drawdown is of great significance for development of stability analysis methods. A new device was developed to control the water level in flight during centrifuge model tests. The centrifuge model test was conducted on the deformation and failure of a cohesive soil slope under the rapid drawdown conditions. Based on the measured displacement of the slope, the failure mechanism was analyzed from the points of deformation and failure processes. The test results showed that the drawdown of water level will result in a progressive slippage failure of the slope from the top to the toe. The deformation and failure processes of the slope were coupled during drawdown, and the development of deformation localization was essential to the slip surface of the slope. Significant deformation occurred and was coupled with the slippage deformation along the slip surface after the full slip surface appeared.