Stabilizing Landslide-Prone Soil Using Alccofine: A Potential Mitigation Method for Landslides in Shirur Highway

Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall pose significant hazards in steep, loose-soiled regions, leading to infrastructure damage and loss of life. Addressing these challenges requires effective mitigation strategies. Study explores the effectiveness of Alccofine 1203, on the engineering properties of landslide-prone soil in Monnageri village, Kodagu, Karnataka. Soil samples treated with varying concentrations of Alccofine were tested for liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, compaction characteristics, and unconfined compression strength. The results showed significant improvements in soil stability and strength parameters with increasing Alccofine dosage. Specifically, the plasticity index decreased as Alccofine concentration increased, indicating reduced soil susceptibility to volume changes. Compaction tests demonstrated an increase in soil density up to 6% Alccofine addition, beyond which density declined, accompanied by an increase in optimum moisture content. Unconfined compression tests revealed higher strength values with longer curing periods and higher Alccofine concentrations, attributed to the formation of secondary cementitious products over time. These findings highlight Alccofine’s effectiveness as stabilizing agent for landslide-prone soils, offering sustainable improvement in soil properties while utilizing industrial by-products. This research supports the use of Alccofine in engineering practices aimed at mitigating landslide risks and enhancing environmental sustainability. The findings suggest that similar stabilization techniques may be applied to other regions, like Shirur highway, Ankola which experienced a massive landslide on 16th July 2024 after thorough investigation.