slope failure mechanisms

Slope failure occurs when the forces holding a slope’s material in place are overcome by forces that cause it to slide or collapse. This can happen due to factors like heavy rainfall softening the soil, earthquakes shaking the ground, or excavation weakening structure stability. The failure involves different mechanisms, such as slides where a block of earth moves along a curved surface, or flows where loose material behaves like a fluid downhill. Overall, it’s a balance between gravity pulling material downward and the strength of the soil or rock holding it up. When this balance tips, a slope failure can occur.