Mehrdad Abed

Determination of main parameters of sensitive clay for seismic slope stability analysis in Saguenay–Lac Saint-Jean region

Direction : Dr. Ali Saeidi

Co-direction : Dr. Romain Chesnaux

Rôle : Doctorant

Informations de contact: mabed@etu.uqac.ca

Informations de la recherche : This study investigates the dynamic behavior of sensitive clay in the Saguenay–Lac Saint-Jean region, where earthquakes have historically triggered landslides. These post-glacial marine clays are highly susceptible to rapid strength loss under seismic stress, posing risks to infrastructure and communities. The research focuses on shear modulus and damping ratio, key parameters for predicting soil response during earthquakes. Since existing models do not fully capture the behavior of eastern Canada’s sensitive clays, this study aims to develop a region-specific framework for slope stability analysis. Cyclic triaxial tests on clay samples from Saguenay will determine how these parameters change with seismic load intensity, frequency, and duration. The study will also establish new empirical equations linking dynamic properties to physical soil characteristics like plasticity index and effective stress, using Principal Component Analysis to identify key factors. By enhancing our ability to predict slope stability in sensitive clay regions, this research will provide engineers and planners with critical tools for improving infrastructure safety and resilience in seismically active areas of Canada.