Stability analysis of geotechnical properties of slopes by seismic waves

Inherently, the mechanical properties of soil determine the stability of a slope. These vital properties require serious scrutiny since slope instability can lead to a hazardous phenomenon. Geophysical approaches are recognised to give a detailed characterisation of slope stability. However, these approaches are only capable of providing limited information about the dynamic property of soil. Thus, this study assesses the heterogeneity of soil profile using P-and S-wave velocity for the different types of slope conditions. Distinctively, this study emphasises the elastic moduli and soil competence for stability measurement for Universiti Sains Malaysia and Lojing areas. It is well understood that the velocity profiles successfully delineate the subsurface material. A zonation map was produced and reveals that the Universiti Sains Malaysia area provides a more stable zone based on various geotechnical parameters. These parameters include the shear modulus, G(0); Young modulus, E; Poisson's ratio, v; material index, M-i; stress ratio, S-i; concentration index, C-i; and density gradient, D-i. We conclude that the Universiti Sains Malaysia area exhibits more competent soil deposits compared to the Lojing area. The values of geophysical and geotechnical parameters provide the preliminary data on defining the competency of the soil, besides reducing the uncertainty of the ground model.