Fig. 1.9 Mechanisms responsible for river bank stability (after, Rinaldi et al., 1999)

Force equilibrium formulation can be used by considering matric suction component for shear strength to obtain dynamic changes in the safety factors for the slopes during the seasonal variations. Such stability mechanisms are also important in the stability of earthen embankments of roads and railways.

Success stories!

Recently, China engaged in south-to-north water diversion channeling project to transfer 23 trillion litres a year from the Yangtze and Han Rivers to Beijing and Tianjin. The stability of the channel banks demonstrated the application of unsaturated soil mechanics principles in practice.