Which failure mode is accelerated when freeze-thaw cycles induce solifluction on a retaining wall's backfill?

💡 Explanation

When solifluction occurs due to freeze-thaw, the soil within backfill becomes saturated, loses structural integrity and migrates downslope increasing hydrostatic pressure against basement walls because thawing reduces soil strength. Therefore, increased hydrostatic pressure will be significant, rather than decreased cohesion, or reduced bearing capacity, which are pre-existing factors.

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