Comparative analysis of rockmass characterization techniques for the stability prediction of road cut slopes along NH-44A, Mizoram, India

Abstract

The network of roads in hilly areas plays an important role in the socio-economic development of any country. Instability in road cut slopes is the most critical and common problem in the Northeast region of India. We conducted rockmass characterization of thirteen slopes from three regions, namely Lengpui, Phunchawng and Aizawl Zoo areas near the Aizawl city, on the basis of rock mass rating (RMR), geological strength index (GSI), kinematic analysis, and various slope mass rating techniques. Wedge failure was observed to be prominent in these regions, though some other modes of failure were present at the site. The stability of road cut slopes was found to vary from partially stable to completely unstable with regard to slope mass rating (SMR), Chinese slope mass rating (CSMR) and the continuous slope mass rating (CoSMR). A comparative analysis was also carried out among the findings of various rockmass characterization techniques to predict the stability of the road cut slopes along NH-44A highway.