Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Here Is Information On 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.

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.

Invention of various techniques to be used in stabilizing slopes has been done over time. For attainment of the desirable outcomes, methods can be used singly or in combination. Among many others, diversions, terracing, grassed waterways, retaining walls, conservation ponds, drop structures, trail improvement, sobo dams, and gully control are some of techniques in use. Fast and better outcomes are attained when one conbines various approaches.

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.

Among the best methods of stabilizing slopes in use is planting grass in waterways. One can plant grass or it can grow on its own. Also, one can plant other kind of vegetation. Before planting vegetation, the surface must be prepared well. Ground cover is offered by grass. Also, the soil is made harder and firmer to be eroded by erosive water.




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