Abstract
Based on the measured rainfall data in the Three Gorges reservoir area, this paper investigates the effect of different initial conditions on different types of soil slope stability. A method to reflect the real initial conditions of the water content in the slope is recommended. Unsaturated seepage analysis is adopted to study the effect of antecedent rainfall on different types of soil slope stability. The typical sand and clay slopes are taken as examples to investigate the effect of antecedent rainfall on slope stability. The results indicate that the effect of the initial conditions on different types of soil slope stability can differ considerably. It is recommended that the steady-state seepage field under average annual rainfall can be used as the initial conditions for transient seepage analysis. The lower soil permeability coefficient, the greater impact of antecedent rainfall can on slope stability, and the longer time affected by antecedent rainfall. It is recommended that more than 15 days antece