SMR and Kinematic Analysis for Slope Instability along Bodi-Bodimettu Ghat section, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluates slope stability of 19km stretch Bodimettu ghat section, Theni, Tamil Nadu. The study involves 107.8km to 117.5km stretch by dividing it into two zones - Kaththuparai and Bodimettu slope. These two sections are considered for slope stability studies. In this study, analysis of the rock slope stability was performed using Modified SMR technique. Hoek and Bray (1981) analysis have been used for rock cut slopes. 12 rock slopes were identified in Kaththuparai section and four slopes in Bodimettu section. The detailed field investigations were carried out to collect data required for RMR and SMR calculation and SMR was calculated for each section. As per Hoek and Bray (1981) stereographic projection methods, FOS was calculated. In this study, sections R1 and R2 fulfill wedge conditions and R1, R2, R5, R7, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14 and R16 are suitable for planar and stereographic analysis. The details are furnished in this paper. The planar analysis shows that, FOS for the sections R2/J2, R5, R9, R10, and R11/J3 was < 1, and stereographic projection study shows that sections R2, R5, R7, R9, R10, R11/J3 and R13 are present in unstable zone.