Application of Slope Mass Rating and Kinematic Analysis Along Road Cut Slopes in the Himalayan Terrain

Abstract

AbstractHundreds of fatalities are being reported every year due to rampant slope failures along road-cut engineered slopes in the Himalayan region. Prevailing perilous conditions of cut slopes are mainly due to adverse geological attributes and ever-rising anthropogenic factors. To procure a landslide resilient design along roads in mountainous regions, a systematic geotechnical investigation is required. In this regard, the characterization of vulnerable slopes through empirical classification systems is of paramount importance for geotechnical appraisal. Eleven vulnerable road cut slopes along national highway-5 (NH-5), from Solan to Shimla have been studied herein. The present study incorporates the application of Slope Mass Rating (SMR) and its extensions, including Continuous Slope Mass Rating (CSMR) and Chinese Slope Mass Rating (ChSMR) to study various slopes. The outcomes of SMR and its extensions are used to classify cut slopes into different stability grades. In addition, prevailing structurally controlled failures have also been assessed by kinematic analysis. The majority of slopes are liable to undergo planar and wedge failures. The outcomes obtained by kinematic analysis, SMR and its extensions are used to propose adequate remedial measures.KeywordsSlope stabilitySlope mass rating (SMR)Continuous slope mass rating (CSMR)Chinese slope mass rating (ChSMR)Kinematic analysis