This book gathers the most recent scientific research on the geological geotechnical and
geophysical aspects of slope failure in sensitive clays. Gathering contributions by
international experts it focuses on understanding the complete and practical spectrum of
challenges presented by landslides in such complex materials. Based on sound and validated
research results the book also presents several recommendations that could be implemented in
the guidelines or code-of-practice. These recommendations cover topics including the
characterization and behavior of sensitive clays the pre-failure failure and post-failure
stages of sensitive clays mapping and identification methods climate change hazard
assessment and risk management.Sensitive clays are known for their potential for causing large
landslides which pose a serious risk to human lives infrastructure and surrounding
ecosystems within their reach. This has been demonstrated by the recent catastrophic landslides
in e.g. Sørum (2016) Skjeggestad (2015) Statland (2014) Byneset (2012) St-Jude (2010)
Lyngen (2010) and Kattmarka (2009). The 2015 collapse of the Skjeggestad Bridge in Norway -
which was due to a landslide in sensitive clay - alone costs millions of dollars in repairs.
Recently efforts are being made to increase society's ability to cope with such landslide
hazards. Geoscientists are now expected to provide input to the agencies responsible for
landslide-risk preparedness. In other words geoscientists' role is not only to act as
technologists to establish new theories but also to go the extra mile to implement them in
practice so as to find meaningful solutions to geotechnical problems.
