EVALUATION OF BEST PRACTICES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SLOPE REPAIR METHODS IN TEXAS

Abstract

Embankment slope failures occur frequently in areas with extreme weather (frequent wetting and drying periods) and unstable soil conditions (high swelling potential clay) such as state of Texas. Despite all progresses in the geotechnical knowledge and the advancement of slope repair methods, still, many repaired slopes fail again after a period of time. The primary objectives of this study are to (1) Review and evaluate existing repair methods for shallow slope failures from the construction perspective, and (2) Recommend appropriate implementation procedures for successful implementation of slope repair methods. The research approach which has been followed to achieve the project objectives includes review of the literature, survey, and interview of subject matter experts. Results of this study showed that the risk of recurring slope failures would decrease by using combination of different slope repair methods. In this study, the current state of knowledge and practice are captured and integrated to present slope repair practices that offer long-term performance of embankment slopes along roads and highways especially for the regions with extreme weather and unstable soil conditions.