Effect of Fine Particles Content on Earthquake-Induced Failure of Volcanic Embankments Subjected to Rainfall

The purpose of this study is to clarify the influence of fine particles (smaller than 0.075mm) on the failure of embankments constructed from volcanic coarse-grained soil under the independent and combined effect of rainfall and earthquakes. To realize the aims, a series of 1g physical model tests were performed by using an apparatus that integrated both the shaking table and the spray nozzle. From the original materials of Komaoka volcanic soil, the fine contents were adjusted to 8.5, 27, and 40 to prepare the test samples. In each test, pore water pressure, degree of saturation, acceleration, and shear strain were organized. These measured data showed that the fine grain content is of considerable importance and cannot be ignored when analyzing the stability of volcanic embankments under the impacts of seismic loadings and precipitation. Finally, the feasibility of applying machine learning to forecast pore water pressure data was clarified.