Project:  Investigation of Three-Dimensional Effects on the Permanent Displacements of Slopes

PI(s):  Steve Kramer

Sponsor:  University of Washington

Objective:  To develop an improved understanding of the effects of three-dimensional input motions on the permanent displacements of seismically unstable slopes.

Research Approach:  A computer program has been developed for numerical prediction of the permanent displacement of rock wedges based on three dimensional input motions. The rock wedges are assumed to be bounded by two sets of intersecting joints, the strike and dip of which are specified by the analyst. Inertial forces due to three-dimensional input motions are resolved into components parallel, normal (polarized into vertical plane), and transverse (horizontal plane) to the line of intersection of the joints. The program will be used with a large number of three-dimensional ground motion records to investigate the effects of normal and transverse components of input motion on permanent slope displacements.

For more information send E-Mail to: kramer@u.washington.edu