Submarine Slope Failures in Gassy Soils

This paper investigates the stability of a submarine gassy slope triggered by tidal variations. Under tidal variations on an unsaturated slope, failure may occur under specific combinations of increasing degree of saturation and soil permeability, and decreasing tidal period. A novel physical model test in a geotechnical centrifuge was undertaken of a submarine slope containing gassy sediments. The model preparation techniques, measurement systems and preliminary results are presented. The response observed in the model test is discussed and further developments proposed. Existing numerical simulations may provide a basis for verification and validation of future physical model test results.