Rainfall Induced Shallow Slope Failure Analysis in Vermont
Dutta, Tanmoy
Dutta, Tanmoy
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Abstract
Abrupt climate change has significantly altered rainfall patterns, triggering a range of natural hazards. Vermont, characterized by its mountainous terrain, has experienced numerous slope failures over time, including landslides, debris flows, rockfalls, and mudflows. The state�s complex hydrological system contributes to slope instability, as soils become saturated from both rainfall and snowmelt. Additionally, the presence of glacial till in the surficial layer results in relatively high infiltration capacity. During the 2023 and 2024 storm events, multiple slope failures were recorded, some of which disrupted critical transportation networks. To assess slope instability, a physics-based infinite slope stability model was applied to identify potential failure zones. A key challenge in this analysis was determining the initial groundwater conditions and infiltration rates. Due to limited data availability, multiple simulation scenarios were developed using varying initial groundwater levels, which were then calibrated against an observed landslide inventory. The scenarios that showed the highest agreement with the inventory data were selected to generate a representative susceptibility map for Vermont. Based on this analysis, the study area will be classified into three susceptibility categories: high, moderate, and low. The outcomes of this study are expected to support transportation agencies in improving the management and resilience of major roadway infrastructure.
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Date
1/1/2026
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Graduate Student
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Poster
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Civil Engineering
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College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
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Engineering