• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.21-29
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• 2017

Variations in matric suction were compared between field measurements and numerical analysis for a tailings dump slope. We performed an analysis of slope stability using precipitation records measured in the field, selecting the period (72 hours) of highest rainfall intensity during the field monitoring, for which the matric suction and rainfall records measured in the field were analyzed. In addition, we applied the precipitation records of this period to the numerical analysis. SEEP/W and SLOPE/W were used to analyze the seepage flow in the slope due to rainfall and to investigate the slope stability considering the wetting front depth from the ground surface, respectively. The seepage analysis, using SEEP/W, was carried out on the rainfall data obtained in the field. Comparisons between the field monitoring data and simulation results for matric suction show some quantitative difference but similar patterns of temporal variation. According to the results of slope stability analysis using SLOPE/W and the results of seepage analysis, the safety factor of the slope showed a sudden increase at the point of rapid increase in rainfall intensity. It then recovered because subsequent rainfall was scarce. Therefore, the stability of the tailings dump slope can be reasonably estimated if seepage and slope stability analyses, based on precipitation records, have been carried out.