Cost-Effective and Sustainable Road Slope Stabilization and Erosion Control

Abstract

In the United States it is estimated that 75% of all roads are low-volume roads maintained by some 35,000 local agencies. Low-volume roads often omit surface slope protection, and this can lead to slope failure, erosion, and maintenance, safety, and ecological issues. This report presents information on cost-effective and sustainable road slope stabilization techniques, with a focus on shallow or near-surface slope stabilization and related erosion control methods used on low-volume roads. To fully address this topic, planning and site investigation are discussed, as well as erosion control techniques, soil bioengineering and biotechnical techniques, mechanical stabilization, and earthwork techniques. Information presented in this report was obtained through an extensive literature review, and from survey and interview responses. From the survey responses, 30 individuals were interviewed based on the information they made available in the survey. A total of 25 interviews were conducted over the phone, and in two cases written responses were received.