Stability problems in road and pipeline constructions and their mitigation — Examples from Sakhalin and Azerbaijan

Abstract

The paper gives two examples of larger construction projects with typical stability problems. The first example is from Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East. It is connected with a construction of oil and gas pipelines through the mountainous terrain in Makarov region. The region has an active geotectonic history and is highly affected by uncontrolled erosion and extensive landslips. Basic principles of landslide hazard mitigation are presented. The second example is from a motorway construction in Azerbaijan. This motorway leads from Baku to Russia through a seismo-tectonically active area at the toe of Caucasian mountains and in some places is situated in deep cuts at the toe of high slopes. This unsuitable routing, together with seismic activity, led to a slope stability failure of a slope affected by recent tectonic movements near the village of Devechi. Stability conditions and designed remedy measures are presented.