The importance of designer-contractor communication in geotechnical design as exemplified by a cut slope failure

Abstract

A shallow slope failure has occurred on the cut slopes of the Bigadic-Simav-Abide highway at the section located between Km:125+530-125+870, during construction. A detailed investigation of the landslide mechanism, which includes site specific surveys, laboratory studies, and stability analyses indicates that the main reason of the failure lies within the construction procedure details. This study focuses on the forensic geotechnical engineering procedures applied for determining the cause of the slope failure. An emphasis was placed on the importance of strictly following the construction sequence as illustrated in the design documents in detail, as well as on the indispensable role of continuous communication between the designer and the contractor for successful performance of geotechnical works.