Assessment of some triggering mechanisms associated with submarine slope failures on continental slopes utilizing centrifuge testing

The conditions leading to submarine slope failures on continental slopes are not fully understood. A research program utilizing centrifuge modelling was developed to provide insight into the understanding of submarine slope failures on continental slopes. The primary research objectives were to develop methodologies for the modelling of submarine slope failures caused by static loadings on continental slopes, and to show that the test data obtained simulates prototype conditions.; Based on experience from previous demonstration tests, the testing program consisted of three centrifuge tests. The study investigated the triggering mechanisms in normally consolidated submarine slopes under static loads induced by two basic phenomena: sediment erosion and excess pore water pressure. Slope stability analysis using limit equilibrium methods was completed to evaluate the results of the centrifuge tests.; Due the high excess pore pressures required to initiate slope failures in the centrifuge and the restrictions imposed by the finite size of the centrifuge model, the centrifuge tests probably did not simulate actual natural submarine failure conditions. However, this research has provided new insights and allowed the development of new methodologies for the modelling of submarine slope failures, and has demonstrated the possible usefulness of the geotechnical centrifuge for this type of research. Further centrifuge testing and analysis is recommended.