Centrifuge Modelling of Slope Instability Due to Leakage of Buried Pipes

Buried water mains, sewers and storm water pipes are critical infrastructures in the urban environment. In Hong Kong, a great number of pipes are buried in slopes, and catastrophic consequences due to landslides may happen upon pipe leakage. This study aims to investigate the infiltration process of leakage water with respect to the current Hong Kong mainlaying practice and explores its impacts on slope stability using geotechnical centrifuge modelling. Test results indicate that deep-seated slope failure, and surface erosion induced by concentrated flow of leaked water may occur when the pipes are subject to leakage.