Full-scale slope failure at Selbome, UK

A full scale cutting slope failure experiment has been carried out at Selbome, U.K. An extensive instrumentation system comprising inclinometer tubes, string inclinometers, piezometers and wire extensometers was installed, with many of the instruments connected to an electronic data gathering system incorporating alarm level outputs. Failure of the slope was induced by pore pressure recharge. An intensive laboratory programme was performed concentrating on the shear strength properties of the Gault clay. Failure of the slope occurred in July 1989, with total displacements of the sliding mass of about 4 m. Following failure, a series of trenches were excavated through the sliding mass, enabling the precise position of the failure surface to be located; samples were also taken to determine the shear strength on the failure surface.