Empirical and finite element based stability analysis of highway cut slopes in Uttarakhand Himalayan terrain, India

Abstract

The present paper deals with different empirical methods and finite element method of slope stability analysis along National Highway (NH)-7, in Uttarakhand, India. The highway is only path in the hilly terrain of Lesser Himalayan for the public transport and have strategic importance due to militaries possession routes. This route is also significant due to having many holistic places, connecting to this. There was numerous landslides happened along the Highway in past due to various natural and anthropogenic activities. Hence, keeping an eye to the socio-economic development of the distant area, slope stability analysis is very crucial along the road cut sections. To identify the vulnerable locations and to collect the geotechnical data, the field investigation was carried out between Shivpuri to Byasi along NH-7 in Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Then geotechnical data was intended followed by rock mass characteristic, kinematic analysis and Qslope stability. Additionally, to review the stability results, numerical simulation (finite element method) was employed and slope mass behavior and failure mechanism of cut slopes were also evaluated. The rock mass characteristic and kinematic analysis illustrate normal and good variety of rock mass mainly wedge mode with flexural toppling of failure. The slope mass rating, continuous slope mass rating and also Qslope stability analysis showed, road cut slopes are critically stable and unstable. The results of different empirical methods shows a decent correlation between them. Further the numerical simulation analysis also evaluates that two cut slopes are unstable and other one is critically stable. This substantial empirical and numerical analysis of cut slopes provides a collective approach to stable and develop the holistic road corridor in Himalayan terrain.