Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Cut slope stability assessment along ghat road section of Kolli hills, India

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Natural Hazards Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In the present study, cut slope stability assessment along ghat road section of Kolli hills was carried out by using various geotechnical parameters of rock and soil slope sections and structural kinematics of major discontinuities is presented. The rock slope (RS) stability assessment was carried out using Rock Mass Rating basic (RMRbasic) and Slope Mass Rating (SMR) classification systems. The type of failure and their Factor of Safety (FOS) for individual RS was calculated using Hoek and Bray method. In the case of soil slopes (SS), the FOS was calculated using Circular Failure Chart (CFC) and Limit Equilibrium (LE) methods. The input data for the slope stability analyses were collected through extensive field work followed by stereonet plotting and laboratory test. There are six rock slope sections, and five soil slope sections were taken into consideration for the cut slope stability analyses. The area depicts class II (RS-1, 2, & 6) and class III (RS-3, 4, & 5) of RMR classes. The SMR result depicts for RS-1, RS-2, and RS-6 are 64.40, 60.02, and 60.70, respectively, and falls in class II stable condition. The SMR values of RS-3 and RS-5 were 44.33 and 57, respectively, and come under the class III partially stable condition. The RS-4 with SMR value of 17.33 falls under the class I completely unstable condition. The FOS of planar failure case indicates that RS-3 (FOS = 0.22) is more unstable, while all other sections are having greater than 1 FOS. The calculated FOS values using CFC method reveals that the FOS is very close to 1 for all the SS sections that fall under completely saturated condition which indicates that these slope sections may fail during heavy rainfall. In LE method, the sections SS-3 and SS-4 are unsafe under partially and completely saturated (natural slope) condition. In average slope condition, all the SS sections are unsafe under partially or completely saturated conditions. The facets 2, 3, 4, and 5 required mitigation measures, to improve the stability of slopes. Site-specific mitigation measures were suggested for partially or completely unstable rock and soil cut slopes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

(after Hoek and Bray 1981)

Fig. 4

(after Hoek and Bray 1981)

Fig. 5

(after Hoek and Bray 1981)

Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agam MW, Hashim MHM, Murad MI, Zabidi H (2016) Slope sensitivity analysis using Spencer’s method in comparison with general limit equilibrium method. Procedia Chem 19:651–658. doi:10.1016/j.proche.2016.03.066

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aleotti P, Chowdhury R (1999) Landslide hazard assessment: summary review and new perspectives. Bull Eng Geol Environ 58(1):21–44. doi:10.1007/s100640050066

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anbalagan R (1992) Landslide hazard evaluation and zonation mapping in mountainous terrain. Eng Geol 32:269–277. doi:10.1016/0013-7952(92)90053-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anbalagan R, Kohli A, Chakraborty D (2008) Geotechnical evaluation of Harmony landslide on Karnaprayag-Gwaldam Road, Uttarakhand Himalaya. Curr Sci 94(12):1613–1619

    Google Scholar 

  • Anbazhagan S, Neelakantan R, Arivazhagan S, Vanaraju G (2008) Developments of fractures and land subsidence at Kolli hills, Tamil Nadu. J Geol Soc India 72:348–352

    Google Scholar 

  • Anbazhagan S, Ramesh V (2014) Landslide hazard zonation mapping in Ghat road section of Kolli hills, India. J Mt Sci 11(5):1308–1325. doi:10.1007/s11629-012-2618-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bieniawski ZT (1973) Engineering classification of jointed rock masses. Trans S Afr Inst Civ Eng 15(12):335–344

    Google Scholar 

  • Bieniawski ZT (1976) Rock mass classification in rock engineering. In: Bieniawski ZT (ed) Exploration for rock engineering, proceedings of the symposium expl. Rock Engineering, Johannesburg, pp 97–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Bieniawski ZT (1979) The Geomechanics classification in rock engineering applications. In: Proceedings of the 4th international congress rock mechanics, Montreux, Balkema, Rotterdam, vol 2. pp 41–48

  • Bieniawski ZT (1989) Engineering rock mass classifications. Wiley, Chichester, p 251

    Google Scholar 

  • Bishop AW (1955) The use of the slip circle in the stability analysis of slopes. Geotechnique 5(1):7–17. doi:10.1680/geot.1955.5.1.7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bureau of Indian Standard (1986) IS: 2720 (Part 13), Methods for test for soils—direct shear test. BIS, New Delhi

    Google Scholar 

  • Bureau of Indian Standard (1998a) IS: 13365 (Part 1), Quantitative classification systems of rock mass guidelines—rock mass rating (RMR) for predicting engineering properties. BIS, New Delhi

    Google Scholar 

  • Bureau of Indian Standard (1998b) IS: 8764, Method for determination of point load strength index of rocks. BIS, New Delhi

  • Canal A, Akin M (2016) Assessment of rock slope stability by probabilistic-based slope stability probability classification method along highway cut slopes in Adilcevaz–Bitlis (Turkey). J Mt Sci 13(11):1893–1909. doi:10.1007/s11629-016-3954-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Z (1995) Recent developments in slope stability analysis. In: Fujii T (ed) Keynote lecture: Proceedings 8th International Congress in Rock Mechanics, vol 3. pp 1041–1048

  • Cheng YM, Yip CJ (2007) Three-dimensional asymmetrical slope stability analysis extension of Bishop’s, Janbu’s, and Morgenstern-Price’s techniques. J Geotech Geoenvironmental Eng 133(12):1544–1555. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coates DF (1970) Rock mechanical principle. Department of energy, mines and resources, monograph 874, Canada, Chapter 6

  • Daftaribesheli A, Ataei M, Sereshki F (2011) Assessment of rock slope stability using the fuzzy slope mass rating (FSMR) system. Appl Soft Comput 11(8):4465–4473. doi:10.1016/j.asoc.2011.08.032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Das I, Sahoo S, van Weston C, Stein A, Hack R (2010) Landslide susceptibility assessment using logistic regression and its comparison with a rock mass classification system, along a road section in the northern Himalayas (India). Geomorphology 114(4):627–637. doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.09.023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duncan JM (1996) Soil slope stability analysis in landslides: investigation and mitigation. In: Turner AK, Schuster RL (ed) Special report 247, Transportation research board. Washington, pp 337–371

  • Fellenius W (1936) Calculation of the stability of earth dams. 2nd international congress on large dams, international commission on large dams, Washington, 445–459

  • GSI Report (2006) Geology and mineral resources of the states of India. Part IV-Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry

  • Hack HR (1998) Slope stability probability classification, 2nd edn. ITC Delf Publication, ITC Enschede, Netherlands, p 273

    Google Scholar 

  • Haines A, Terbrugge PJ (1991) Preliminary estimation of rock slope stability using rock mass classification system. In: Wittke W (ed) Proceedings 7th congress on rock mechanics. ISRM, Rotterdam, pp 887–892

  • Hoek E, Bray JW (1981) Rock slope engineering. Stephen Austin and Sons Limited Publishers, Hertford

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E, Bray JW, Boyd JM (1973) The stability of a rock slope containing a wedge resting on two intersecting discontinuities. Q J Eng Geol 6(1):1–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Janbu N (1968) Slope stability computations. (Geoteknikk, NTH). Soil mechanics and foundation engineering, technical university of Norway

  • Johari A, Mousavi S, Nejad AH (2015) A seismic slope stability probabilistic model based on Bishop’s method using analytical approach. Scientia Iran 22(3):728–741

    Google Scholar 

  • Laubscher DH (1990) A geomechanical classification system for the rating of rock mass in mine design. J S Afr Inst Min Metall 90(10):257–273

    Google Scholar 

  • Li XZ, Xu Q (2016) Application of the SSPC method in the stability assessment of highway rock slopes in the Yunnan province of China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 75(2):551–562. doi:10.1007/s10064-015-0792-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lindsay P, Campbell RN, Fergusson DA, Gillard GR, Moore TA (2001) Slope stability probability classification, waikato coal measures, New Zeland. Int J Coal Geol 45:127–145. doi:10.1016/S0166-5162(00)00028-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Low BK, Tang WH (1997) Probabilistic slope analysis using Janbu’s generalized procedure of slices. Comput Geotech 21(2):121–142. doi:10.1016/S0266-352X(97)00019-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lowe J, Karafiath RV (1960) Stability of earth dam upon drawdown. Proceedings of the of the first pan american conference on soil mechanics and foundation engineering, Maxico City, pp 537–552

  • Moore JR, Sanders JW, Dietrich WE, Glaser SD (2009) Influence of rock mass strength on the erosion rate of alpine cliffs. Earth Surf Proc Land 34(10):1339–1352. doi:10.1002/esp.1821

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morgenstern NR, Price VE (1965) The analysis of the stability of general slip surfaces. Geotechnique 15(1):79–93. doi:10.1680/geot.1965.15.1.79

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pantelidis L (2009) Rock slope stability assessment through rock mass classification systems. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 46:315–325. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2008.06.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pantelidis L (2010) An alternative rock mass classification system for rock slopes. Bull Eng Geol Environ 69:29–39. doi:10.1007/s10064-009-0241-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramesh V, Anbazhagan S (2015) Landslide susceptibility mapping along Kolli hills Ghat road section (India) using frequency ratio, relative effect and fuzzy logic models. Environ Earth Sci 73(12):8009-8021. doi:10.1007/s12665-014-3954-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robertson AM (1988) Estimating weak rock strength. In: Sastry KVS (ed) Proceedings of the SME annual meeting. society of mining engineering, Phoenix, pp 1–5

  • Romana M (1985) New adjustment ratings for application of Bieniawski classification to slopes. Proceedings of the international symposium on the role of rock mechanics in excavations for mining and civil works. International society of rock mechanics, Zacatecas, pp 49–53

  • Romana M (1993) A geomechanical classification for slopes: slope mass rating. In: Hudson JA (ed) Comprehensive rock engineering. Pergamon Press, Oxford, pp 575–600

    Google Scholar 

  • Romana M, Serón JB, Montalar E (2001) La clasificación geomecánica SMR: aplicación experiencias y validación. In: CEDEX, UPM (eds) Proceedings of the V Simposio Nacional sobre taludes y laderas inestables. Centro de publicaciones, Secretaria General Técnica. Ministerio de Fomento, CEDEX, Madrid, pp 393–404 (in Spanish)

  • Romana M, Serón JB, Montalar E (2003) SMR geomechanics classification: application, experience and validation. In: Merwe JN (ed) Proceedings of the 10th congress of the international society for rock mechanics, ISRM 2003—technology roadmap for rock mechanics. South African institute of mining and metallurgy, pp 1–4

  • Romana M, Serón JB, Jordá L, Vélez MI (2005) La clasificación geomecánica SMR para taludes: Estado actual, aplicación y experiencia internacional. In: Corominas J, Alonso E, Romana M, Hürlimann M (eds) Proceedings of the VI Simposio Nacional sobre taludes y laderas inestables, Valencia, pp 239–250 (in Spanish)

  • Sarkar K, Buragohain B, Singh TN (2016) Rock slope stability analysis along NH-44 in Sonapur area, Jaintia hills district, Meghalaya. J Geol Soc India 87(3):317–322. doi:10.1007/s12594-016-0398-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Selby MJ (1980) A rock mass strength classification for geomorphic purposes: with test from Antarctica and New Zealand. Z für Geomorphol 24:31–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Sen Z, Sadagah H (2003) Modified rock mass classification system by continuous rating. Eng Geol 67:269–280. doi:10.1016/S0013-7952(02)00185-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma RK, Mehta BS, Jamwal CS (2013) Cut slope stability evaluation of NH-21 along Natayan–Gambhrola section, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, India. Nat Hazards 66:249–270. doi:10.1007/s11069-012-0469-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shuk T (1994) Key elements and applications of the natural slope methodology (NSM) with some emphasis on slope stability aspects. Proceedings of the 4th South American congress on rock mechanics, 2. ISRM, Balkema, Rotterdam, pp 955–960

  • Singh PK, Kainthola A, Singh TN (2013) Rock mass assessment along the right bank of river Sutlej, Luhri, Himachal Pradesh, India. Geomat Nat Hazards Risk. doi:10.1080/19475705.2013.834486

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh TN, Singh R, Singh B, Sharma LK, Singh R, Ansari MK (2016) Investigations and stability analyses of Malin village landslide of Pune district, Maharashtra, India. Nat Hazards 81(3):2019–2030. doi:10.1007/s11069-016-2241-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spencer E (1967) A method of analysis of the stability of embankments, assuming parallel inter-slice forces. Geotechnique 17(1):11–26. doi:10.1680/geot.1967.17.1.11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taheri A, Tani K (2010) Assessment of the stability of rock slopes by the slope stability rating classification system. Rock Mech Rock Eng 43:321–333. doi:10.1007/s00603-009-0050-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomás R, Delgado J, Serón JB (2007) Modification of slope mass rating (SMR) by continuous functions. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 44:1062–1069. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2007.02.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomás R, Cuenca A, Cano M, Garcia-Barda J (2012) A graphical approach for slope mass rating (SMR). Eng Geol 124:67–76. doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2011.10.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Umrao RK, Singh R, Ahmad M, Singh TN (2011) Stability analysis of cut slopes using continuous slope mass rating and kinematic analysis in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. Geomaterials 1(3):79–87. doi:10.4236/gm.2011.13012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Unal E (1996) Modified rock mass classification: M-RMR system. In: Bieniawski ZT (ed) Milestones in rock engineering. The Bieniawski Jubilee Collection, Balkema, pp 203–223

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang J (2003) An analytical method of the stabilizing force of piles for landslide control using Janbu’s generalized procedure of slices. Chin J Geotech Eng 25(4):455–458

    Google Scholar 

  • Yilmaz I, Marschalko M, Bednarik M (2012) Comments on landslide susceptibility zonation study using remote sensing and GIS technology in the Ken-Betwa river link area, India by Avtar R, Singh CK, Singh G, Verma RL, Mukherjee S, Sawada H in Bulletin of engineering geology and the environment (doi:10.1007/s10064-011-0368-5). pp 803–804. Bulletin of engineering geology and the environment 71:803–805. doi:10.1007/s10064-011-0406-3

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS), Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, for the financial support. The authors also thank State Highways and Horticulture departments for providing landslide event and rainfall data. We sincerely thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions, which helped us to improve the quality of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Geoinformatics, Jamsetji Tata School of Disaster Studies (JTSDS), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Deonar, Mumbai, 400 088, Maharashtra, India

    V. Ramesh

  2. Centre for Geoinformatics and Planetary Studies (CGIPS), Department of Geology, Periyar University, Salem, 636 011, Tamil Nadu, India

    S. Anbazhagan

  3. School of Civil Engineering, SASTRA University, Thirumalaisamudram, Tanjore, 613401, Tamil Nadu, India

    S. E. Saranaathan

Authors
  1. S. Anbazhagan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. V. Ramesh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. E. Saranaathan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to V. Ramesh.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Anbazhagan, S., Ramesh, V. & Saranaathan, S.E. Cut slope stability assessment along ghat road section of Kolli hills, India. Nat Hazards 86, 1081–1104 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2731-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2731-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation