Steep Slope Stabilization

Question

Steep Slope Stabilization

ClarkKent88 (Civil/Environmental)

(OP)

5 Mar 13 16:43

Hello and thank you all in advance for your help. My client has a house on a large hill overlooking a river. The hill, which is approximately 150’ vertical and has at least a 1:1 slope maybe steeper, has started to erode. I started looking into building a retaining wall at the bottom to reduce the slope of the hill however it would require a large wall. Does anyone know of other more economical options for steep slope stabilization. Has anyone had experience with wire mesh stabilization similar to Geobrugg’s Tecco system see link below.

http://www.geobrugg.com/contento/Portals/35/media/...

Thank you

miningman (Mining) · Answer 1 · 2013-03-05 17:03:27

Totally inadequate information to provide usefull suggestions. What is the geology?? Can rock bolts be utilised effectively ?? Where is the ground water level?? Can drainage holes be effectively designed?? Is shotcrete viable?? What is the house worth??? Cost of protection may be more than the value of the house. Its a bit late now but best advice is never build on a flood plain or within about a mile ( or two)of a slope subject to erosion

ClarkKent88 (Civil/Environmental) · Answer 2 · 2013-03-05 17:37:48

Thank you for the response and sorry for the lack of information. I do not have much information about the soil there has not been any testing. As far as I can tell it is a lean clay I am sorry I cannot give you more. I am mainly looking for ideas and suggestions of what has worked for people in the past.

crcivil (Civil/Environmental) · Answer 3 · 2013-07-05 14:12:53

45° is not too steep a slope, so if your concern is the face of this slope getting eroded, I would suggest a shotcrete treatment having previously installed wire mesh and enough number of weep drains. Make sure to effectively protect the foot and wrap up the top of the slope with the wire mesh and shotcrete.

crcivil (Civil/Environmental) · Answer 4 · 2013-07-05 14:26:23

http://personal.cityu.edu.hk/~bswmwong/pl/pdf/slop...

FixedEarth (Geotechnical) · Answer 5 · 2013-07-05 22:53:48

You are starting with step 3. Step 1 is geotechnical slope distress investigation (field borings +lab testing). Step 2 is slope stability analysis using a limit equilibrium software in the static and seismic conditions(if needed). Then step 3 is suitable method of repair.

If you skip the first 2 steps, your constructed repair may fail prematurely, becuse you may not have fixed what was failing.

hokie66 (Structural) · Answer 6 · 2013-07-06 02:01:09

Agree that there is not much information, but if you look at roadway cuts, the most common reason for erosion is lack of drainage at the top. Once the water running onto the slope is diverted, vegetative cover is often effective and the most economical solution. Hydroseeding works wonders in the right environment.

BigH (Geotechnical) · Answer 7 · 2013-07-06 04:44:35

What is causing the erosion? Is the river "eating" into the hillside near his place? You might want to do some research on the Scarborough Bluffs, as an example. Can find starting information there about bluffs and stability.

fattdad (Geotechnical) · Answer 8 · 2013-07-10 13:10:39

I'd say soil nails to address geotechnical concerns. I'd say hire a landscape architect or civil engineer to address erosion. I mean I have my ideas on the matter, but it turns out nobody likes kudzu. . .

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

oldestguy (Geotechnical) · Answer 9 · 2013-07-12 10:51:58

Vegetation is a common way to do this. That may mean removing any trees. Trees shade the area and erosion can progress under them. Crown vetch spreads well and seems to like hostile environments. If not controlled, it takes over nearby areas however.

As to landscape architects, check the qualifications. Too many are there for the looks and don't know the mechanics of water seepage or erosion.

Like mentioned above control the surface drainage also.

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Steep Slope Stabilization