Slope Stabilization

Introduction
• Methods for stabilizing slopes depend on, and can be very limited by, factors
such as
— surface / groundwater hydrology and drainage potential
— slope geometry and constraints on alterations
— distribution of low strength material / strata in the slope
— the proposed development (if any) and / or reasons for trying to stabilize
the slope
— available technology, equipment and expertise
• Generally, stabilization involves one or more of,
— reducing pore pressures in the slope by surface and subsurface drainage
(will --> increase in shear strength)
— reducing disturbing forces, e.g., by reducing slope angle, removing material
from the upper part of the slope
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Slope Stabilization
Introduction ctd…
— increasing the resisting forces, e.g., by adding weight to the toe of the
slope, or by increasing the shear strength along potential failure surfaces
— supporting unstable areas by construction of retaining walls
— attempting to control slipping soil, rock, etc. (more a damage control rather
than stabilization technique)

Drainage and groundwater control

• Groundwater levels (and hence pore pressures) can be controlled by
subsurface drainage and/or reduction of infiltration
• Infiltration can be reduced by surface drainage or by soil treatment, e.g.,
compaction, impervious layer

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Slope Stabilization
Drainage and groundwater control ctd…
• Subsurface drainage methods include
— trench drains: trenches backfilled with permeable material (gravel), and
usually with slotted pipe - filter cloth often used to wrap pipe or pipe /
gravel as whole
lateral branches usually run across the slope to a collector running
downslope - can also have laterals angling in to collector from both sides
(herringbone)

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Slope Stabilization
Drainage and groundwater control ctd…
— horizontal drains: drilled into a slope at an angle of
± 5o to the horizontal holes may be open in rock,
but would usually have pipes and filters in soil
— galleries / adits: a special case of the above used in dam abutments and
slopes for both drainage and inspection purposes
— wells / bores: can be pumped to lower a water table or reduce pressures in
artesian aquifers - often used more for regional groundwater control
— vegetation: deep-rooted plants (e.g., trees) can act as biological pumps and
control rising water tables - roots also provide soil reinforcement and
anchoring, etc.

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Slope Stabilization
Drainage and groundwater control ctd…
• Surface water control methods include
— collection of runoff at the uphill boundary of any unstable area - is best
done with open impermeable channels (rather than unlined drains or
pipes) channels should be kept well back from the top of the slope, and
need good construction joints, flexibility
— maximising runoff from the unstable area, controlling and collecting this
runoff - compacted clay layers or impermeable membranes / liners may be
laid on the slope to minimise or prevent infiltration. Runoff must be
discharged so that it does not impact adversely on adjacent areas
— careful location of water pipes (consider consequences of a pipe burst or
leak - critical in the Thredbo slide)

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Slope Stabilization
Alteration of slope geometry
• could involve a general flattening of the slope, but there will often be
constraints at the top of the slope
• could remove material from higher in the slope --> stepped effect and weight
reduction (constraints)
• could add free-draining fill (e.g., coarse rock) at base of slope to increase force
resisting a slip, but again there will often be constraints against this

• It will usually be necessary to use a filter layer or cloth between the fill and
foundation material in the last case
• In some cases, it may even be possible to remove most / all of the unstable
material in the slope and replace it with stronger material
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Slope Stabilization
Stabilization by walling
• Retaining walls (to be discussed in more detail in Geotech Engineering) can be
used to help stabilize slopes
• Reinforced concrete walls can be used, but may look unsightly on natural
slopes unless their lines are broken up by overhanging vegetation, etc.
• Gabions and crib walls may look more attractive
• In each case stability can be increased by the use of ground anchors

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Slope Stabilization
Stabilization by reinforcement
• Includes techniques to improve the soil’s resistance to shearing and
deformation by inclusion of elements which resist tensile, compressive, shear
and bending forces
• Soil nailing - slender rods or angle sections are shot into the soil at various
angles
• Rock bolts and anchors - variation on the above where rods or cables are
grouted into holes drilled into stable material deeper within the slope
— usually are attached to individual small plates or broader mesh at the rock
face, which may be gunited

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Slope Stabilization
Stabilization by reinforcement ctd…
• Passive piles - piles are installed through the slipped material into the stable
material beneath to slow the rate of movement of the soil - should be close
enough to allow arching action to develop in the soil
• Micro-piles - boreholes (about 100mm diameter) are drilled through the
unstable material into the stable soil beneath
— they are filled with sand / cement grout and a single central reinforcing bar
— many are needed and can be quite expensive, but can be installed by small
equipment in confined spaces
— ground movement can lead to cracking, corrosion and failure

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