Analysis of progressive behaviour of cut slopes in clay shales exhibiting softening

This paper discusses time-dependent behaviour of cut slopes in clay shales, special attention being paid to the effect of strength deterioration due to softening and a stress transfer phenomenon associated with progressive yielding. Cutting is analyzed as an example using a finite element method with realistic modeling of softening effect. Progressive behaviour of the cut slope is illustrated. It is shown that the displacement and stress change in the slope are traced up to collapse, and that excessive stresses resulting from local yielding are transferred progressively to the surrounding elements in the slope.