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07 February 2019

Useful And Essential Facts About 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.

Slope stabilisation and erosion control can be broadly curbed by one approach known as terracing. This involves aligning the landscape with a continuation of structures designed like steps so as to curb how runoff occurs. The runoff is guided to an appropriate outlet by the steps to moderate speed, preventing erosion. Soil erosion is minimized generally as runoff soil is trapped on the terrace.

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.

The use of an open ditch is the easiest and safest way of draining off springs. One should start by digging the main ditch. This ditch should be located in the same direction as the gradient of the slope. From the main ditch, smaller ditches should be dug in a fishbone pattern. One should include secondary and tertiary ditches.

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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