Review of Geological Aspects of Slope Engineering

Abstract

The dominant slope-forming materials in Hong Kong, namely colluvium, saprolitic soils and weathered granitic and volcanic rocks, are inherently variable. The importance of appropriate geological input in local slope engineering has been recognised for over 40 years. Recent improvements in geological knowledge and developments in geological aspects of site Investigation, slope design and construction practice are reviewed, with emphasis on understanding of landslide mechanisms and detection of potentially adverse ground conditions. Most of these improvements have arisen from systematic landslide Investigations, or as a result of follow-up research and development studies. There is scope for further enhancement of practice in several areas, including appraisal of the Influence of discontinuities and transient adverse groundwater conditions on slope stability, characterisation of saprolites and colluvial soils in terms of engineering properties, site inspection/mapping during ground Investigation andfor Engineer Inspections in slope maintenance programmes, verification of ground conditions assumed in prescriptive design work, and risk assessment Of londsliding on natural terrain.