Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Useful Information Regarding Slope Stabilization

By Helen Anderson


Landscape is usually impacted adversely by elements of weather like wind, rain, snow, and sunshine. Unstable slopping is among these effects. Slope instability is caused when a gulley is formed after weak top soil drifts downwards. Human activities, elements of weather and natural processes can instigate this process. Effective measures should be put in place in order to curb unstable slopping which is a major safety issue. This is what Slope stabilization is all about.

Roads become unusable or they have many accidents happening on them if slope instability happens on them. Therefore, stabilization of the slope is the best mechanism to handle the issue. Several methods are available for use to stop soil from being eroded down the slope immediately or over time.

Several methods have been invented for use in stabilizing slopes. They may be used alone or in combination to achieve the desired results. Some of these methods include terracing, diversions, grassed waterways, conservation ponds, retaining walls, drop structures, sobo dams, trail improvement, and gully control among many others. Applying several methods together achieves better results better and faster.

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.

Formation of diversions in the slope is another approach that is practised commonly. Normally, diversions are made across slopes. This is done for the runoff to be intercepted and disposed at a designated place. Having long slopes broken up, water directed away from active erosion sites, runoffs directed to right outlets, and/or water channeled around agricultural locations are the reasons for having diversions.

Open ditches can be used to easily and safely drain off springs. This method starts by having the main ditch dug. The gradient of the slope should be in the same direction as that of the ditch dug. Smaller ditches should then be dug in a fishbone pattern from the main ditch. Tertiary and secondary ditches should be included in the smaller ditches.

There should be very little distance from the origin of water to where it is collected. It can then be diverted into a culvert, water course, or side drain nearby. Bed erosion should then be prevented by installing stones at the bottom of the ditch. Pipe drains can be utilized here although they are costly. Silting often occurs in the stone and may cause problems. As such, the drainage should be very 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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment