Fig. 5. Specimen asymmetries due to cutting direction and inclination.

a Acting forces, represented by line loads of the slab density q and the added dead weights p, and shown with slope-normal (x, n) and slope-parallel tangential (z, t) components. The effective lines of action (dashed) have slope-normal distances of c_q and c_p, respectively, from the weak layer. b The gravitational pull G on the total mass (q + p) causes a slope-normal and slope-parallel settlement of the slab. c For a rigid slab, the moment M_e induced by the eccentricities c_q and c_p compresses the weak layer at the lower end and expands it at the upper end. d With increasing slab compliance, slab deformations concentrate toward the slab ends. e Upslope (us) cuts induce additional bending moments M_us due to the load G_us of unsupported slab segments. f Downslope (ds) cuts generate smaller bending moments (M_ds) as the load (G_ds) is smaller. g Slab bending induces upward shear deformations (u) at the lower slab end. h At the upper slab end, these deformations point downward.