General

During the design process of a structure in an area that can be deemed unstable, such as mountainsides, slanted ground or slopes, it is pivotal in the architectural and geotechnical design to consider the parameters defined by a slope stabilization assessment. These set of criteria and findings are instrumental to understanding what structural design should be as well as the materials required in building the structure.

Slope stabilization in Dallas/Ft Worth starts with finding the correct method on how exactly to analyze the stability of the ground on slopes. It is crucial that the design is dictated by the slope stabilization criteria of testing the conditions, strength, and other factors of safety in the equilibrium of slopes of the ground, and embankments on soft rock and in the soil. Methodologies that do not aptly satisfy all conditions of equilibrium could involve

Methods that do not satisfy all conditions of equilibrium may involve significant miscalculations and inaccuracies and may further be the result of an unforeseen tragedy. Slope stabilization in Dallas/Ft Worth and all other areas should be executed under extremely strict and controlled conditions.

The slope stabilization would generally entail finding the effect of differential settlements where the embankments are situated. These areas would usually be compressible foundations in narrow, deep valleys, stress-strain compatibility of zones of various materials within an embankment, or of the embankment and its foundation. For the most part, civil and geotechnical engineering slope stability consultants and other professional engineers would conduct these assessments.

Slope stabilization in Dallas/Ft Worth becomes the quintessential consideration of the materials to be used, as well as, the design parameters of a geotechnical design. This is generally evaluated through exercise of engineering judgment by the slope stability consultant. It is the primary responsibility of the consultant to ascertain and analyze the stability of slopes, categorically focused on giving precise conclusions of the strength of the slope, necessary in the design and mobilization of the materials to be utilized along the sliding surfaces of the area. The limit equilibrium analysis assume the factor of safety along the entire slip surface. Slope stabilization in Dallas/Ft Worth calculate the safety capacity demand of slopes, as well as assuming stability with regard to sliding along the assumed particular slip surface analyzed.

Efficient slope stability consultants in Dallas/Ft Worth are usually construction engineers that strive to create a safe design, as opposed to those that simply specify rigid procedures to be followed in conjunction with a particular project.

At Falkofske Engineering, we follow conventional limit equilibrium methods used in geotechnical practice to investigate the equilibrium of a soil mass tending to move down-slope under the influence of gravity.

To find out more about Slope Stabilization in Dallas/Ft Worth and surrounds contact us today!

How to recognize and prevent slope failure

Whether a slope is made of natural soil or manmade and maintained, steep inclines are prone to failure. In the case of natural slopes, the soil composition, degree of vegetation cover, moisture content, and water level are all factors that can accelerate slippage and sloughing in slopes. Unfortunately, slope failure can be incredibly dangerous both in structural integrity sense as well as to human safety. Here are some important things to know about recognizing and preventing slope failure on your property before it’s too late:

Slope Steepness

Each soil type has its own internal friction angle. This angle effectively informs the engineer to what degree that soil can be stacked without sliding. For example, if a grain of sand has an internal friction angle of 35 degrees, then any pile of that sand you create would tumble down to a natural settlement whose sides match about 35 degrees as well. If you know the approximate internal friction angle of your soil type, then you can judge if it has been compacted in too steep of a slope for it to maintain its shape and not slip dangerously over time. Sometimes altering the soil’s composition is another technique for increasing the internal friction angle of the whole.

Moisture Content

Soil is compacted to a certain degree and always contains a void space. This void space is either air or, especially during saturation, water. Water can affect numerous factors, including a high moisture content that creates over-saturation, an elevated water table that changes compression and compaction characteristics, and even the freeze-thaw cycle as higher amounts of water in the soil will freeze, expand, then melt and shrink again. Increased water content also increases the density of soil as it displaces the much lighter air pockets. Monitoring the water content of your soils can prevent the disasters that accompany buckling and other geotechnical phenomenon.

Vegetation

Planting different species on a freshly compacted soil slope is a key strategy for adding strength to it. With their roots, plants are able to hold soils together against the impacts of heavy rains, winds, and other forms of erosion. As erosion and scouring can be a major source for undermining slope integrity, a simple solution such as adding vegetation is a great way for controlling the slope against failure.

Rock Integrity

The integrity of rock located below upper soil layers can greatly affect the overall integrity of the slope once damaged. Sometimes the bedding planes in rock can be layered with inadequate materials that react differently as water content levels change. In addition, rocks naturally form cracks such as fractures and joints. These changes are often due to cooling or erosion that impacts rocks in upper layers. As cracks increase in the rocks, the structural integrity decreases so that, over time, the slope is more prone to fail due to these slight changes. Of course, sudden shocks to the rocks – and the soil – also have the potential to cause sudden failure like sloughing in the slope.

 

Solutions for Fixing Failing Slopes

Structural engineering provides us with many techniques – even beyond vegetation – for fixing slopes we fear might fail. To ensure slope stability in constructed soil slopes, one common method is to take soil core samples, determine the stratigraphic layout of the soils, and then cut benches into the weaker soil. Next, a more stable and uniform soil type can be placed overtop to promote slope stabilization. Similarly, digging out soft soils and replacing them with gravel that is less compressive is one way to prevent failure above slopes which trickles down to the slope stabilization below. Other solutions structural engineering provides solutions like retaining walls, thorough soil compaction, and drainage methods to prevent saturation and seepage.

 

Slope stability is a serious safety issue that can be both remedied and prevented. By knowing these things to look for in a slope, one can address issues before they become threats to structural integrity. If constructing a new slope, it is vital to collect the information that will show what kinds of soils and soil behaviors you’ll be working with. Once you know your stratigraphy, moisture contents, and water levels, you can predict the kind of challenges you need to plan for and ensure your inspector oversees every detail of the compaction process. If you are monitoring an existing slope, you know the key factors to keep an eye out for such as slight changes in shape or saturation due to a natural storm event. Rainfall, however, is not the only culprit: Earthquakes also are capable of causing severe destruction to slopes. Just being a little proactive can prevent many structural disasters – and could possibly save people from being seriously injured.