Building in areas featuring sloped terrain requires care and attention to site conditions. The threat of slope failure could result in serious issues for contractors that can result in added costs and delays to the project. There are many different factors that affect the stability of a slope, and it is crucial that builders pay attention to them.
For example, the type of soil in the area is one of the most important elements. Soils that are more cohesive and stick together more effectively are better at retaining their shape than loose, granular soils. If there are any fault lines or unstable rock formations under the surface, there may be a greater risk of slope failure. The amount of vegetation cover also helps hold slopes together. This is why it is often necessary for contractors to employ slope stabilization methods to ensure the ground they work on remains secure. The following methods are effective, but may need the aid of chemical modification or soil stabilization to improve the existing soil conditions. This can greatly reduce the cost of export of unsuitable soil and import of soils that are ready for compaction.
Understanding the Process of Slope Stabilization
Slope stabilization techniques are used whenever builders need to prevent soil from moving or shifting during or after the construction process. This is necessary because slope failures can result in damage to the jobsite as well as create unsafe working conditions for crews or the public many years after construction is complete. In general, there are four main hillside stabilization methods most frequently used by contractors & developers. These are:
- Installing drains: The amount of water in the soil can have a serious impact on the stability of a slope. The more moisture there is, the more easily erosion can take effect and lead to soils shifting. Drains help control the water content of the earth and keep conditions consistent.
- Terracing: Also known as cutting benches, this process involves cutting a series of step-like terraces into the slope. This enhances stability because it ensures that the weight of the earth is distributed more evenly, preventing failures.
- Building retaining walls: These can take many forms, but the principle is the same. Building walls around slopes helps hold them in place even when force is exerted onto them.
- Covering slopes with mesh: Geotextiles serve to wrap a mound of earth, helping to keep everything in the same place while work goes on around it.
In many cases, it may be best to use a combination of these or other hillside stabilization techniques to achieve the best result. If the slope material is unsuitable, you can chemically modify or stabilize the material to ensure it reaches optimum moisture for safe & proper compaction adding to the effectiveness of all methods.
The Importance of Slope Stabilization
Stabilizing slopes is critical for a number of reasons. First and foremost, builders need to be sure that the ground they are building upon will be the best possible foundation for the finished structure. If there’s a chance that the ground underneath a roadway or building may shift or sink after the work is finished, it could lead to some extremely costly repairs or even complete structural failure.
There’s also the safety angle to consider, as shifting soils could cause heavy construction machinery to slide or fall. This poses a severe risk to workers as well as to the project. From an ecological perspective, protecting slopes helps preserve ecosystems. Erosion and runoff caused by construction activity can harm wildlife habitats and pollute local waterways. For all these reasons and more, it’s essential for contractors to pay close attention to slope stabilization as they work in potentially sensitive areas.
Trust Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation
For all methods it’s important to work with soils that are suitable to reach compaction to maintain the structural integrity of the engineered design. Soil Stabilization can help improve the workability of the soil to ensure whichever method is chosen to stabilize your project’s slope it will be successful.
As a leading specialty contractor focusing on soil modification, Rock Solid is your premier partner for all your slope stabilization needs. We bring the expertise and capabilities necessary to prevent slope failures and keep your project on track. To learn more about what we have to offer, reach out to us today.
