Study on effectiveness of capillary barrier in reduction of rainfall infiltration on a 15° slope

Abstract

Rainfall induced slopes failures are a very critical issue in Sri Lanka. Natural or cut slopes which remain stable during dry season due to prevalence of high matric suction undergo failure because of loss of matric suction and pore water pressure buildup. Capillary barrier cover system is a cost-effective system with natural soils that could minimize infiltration of rainwater. Capillary barriers are unsaturated cover system that functions in response to change in negative pore water pressure. This research on applicability of capillary barrier cover system on local Sri Lankan cut slopes with 15° slope angle was done through experimental studies and numerical verification of results using GeoStudio, 2012 SEEP/W software.