Mapping of Slope Failure Potential of Galiat area Pakistan using Fuzzy Logic Concept

Abstract

The landslides in northern Pakistan are mainly occurring on Karakoram Highway, Swat, Kaghan, Neelum, and Jhelum valleys, Murree and Galiat areas. Galiat region forms the southern part of outer or sub-Himalayas. For such larger study areas having inherent geotechnical variability and inhomogeneity, coupled with high costs of investigations, the exclusive use of either deterministic or probabilistic approach has never remained valid. This study resulted in the development of the Slope Failure Potential (SFP) maps and provision of recommendations for the mitigation of landslides in Murree and Galiat area. The objectives were achieved through extensive field and laboratory investigations program, numerical and statistical modeling, and generation of fuzzy logic based computer models. In this study, we used both deterministic geotechnical and geophysical field and laboratory investigations to augment the probabilistic landslide hazard assessment using Fuzzy logic concept. The resulting SFP maps demarcated the study routes into different SFP (i.e., very high, high, medium, low, very low) zones under static loading conditions. These maps were intended to be used for the assessment of the landslide hazard and risk analysis for the existing infrastructure and the design of future construction and land use. The validity of the SFP maps was established through the follow-up of the type, nature and the damage associated with the several intensity level landslides occurred at different locations in the study area during the last ten years.