Thursday, 7 February 2019

Useful Information Regarding Slope Stabilization

By Helen Anderson


Weather elements such as wind, rain, snow, and sunshine usually have adverse effects on landscape. One of these effects is slope instability. Slope instability is characterized by downward drifting of loose topsoil, leading to the formation of a hole or gulley behind. This situation can be made started or made worse by weather elements, human activities, or natural processes. If not controlled, slopes that are unstable only get worse and can become a major safety hazard. Here are facts regarding Slope stabilization.

When this condition happens on roads, it can cause accidents or render the road unusable. As such, the best approach to dealing with this problem is stabilizing the slope. Here, various approaches are used to ensure that the downward erosion of soil is stopped immediately or over time. Some methods provide an immediate solution, while others take time to be effective.

There are a number of approaches available for use in slope stabilizing. These methods may be used in combination singly to get the results that are desired. The main methods include terracing, diversions, grassed waterways, conservation ponds, retaining walls, drop structures, sobo dams, trail improvement, and gully control among others. Mixing various approaches works faster and offers more satisfying results.

Terracing is one of the methods that is widely used in controlling erosion and also to stabilize slopes. It involves making a series of step-like structures into the landscape with the aim of regulating how surface runoff occurs. The steps guide surface runoff across the slope and convey it to a suitable outlet at a speed that is non-erosive. Soil is trapped on the terrace, which reduces erosion in general.

Creating diversions in slopes is also another approach in widespread use. The methods involves constructing diversions across slope to intercept runoffs and dispose the water to specific locations. Breaking up long slopes, directing water to/around agricultural locations, directing water from active sites of erosion, and/or channeling runoffs towards suitable outlets are among the purposes of diversions.

The safest and simplest approach of having springs drained off is applying open ditches. Digging the primary ditch is the first step in using open ditches. The ditch location must be in similar direction as the gradient of the slope. One then digs smaller ditches from the main ditch. A fishbone pattern should be used when digging the smaller ditches. Secondary and tertiary ditches must be included in the deign.

Water from the ditch should be collected as close as possible to its origin. From there, it can be channeled to a culvert, side drain, or a water course nearby. Gravel or stone should be placed at the bottom of the ditch to prevent erosion of the bed. One can also use pipe drains because they are more efficient, although they can be a bit expensive. Since stones are likely to silt up over time, one should ensure that drainage is effective.

Planting of grass in waterways is one of the best ways of stabilizing slopes. Grass may grow naturally or it may be planted. Besides grass, any other suitable vegetation can be planted. Proper surface preparation must be done before the vegetation is planted. Grass provides ground cover and makes the soil firmer and harder to be carried away by erosive water.




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