Highway and Bridge Engineering 2014, International Symposium

Iai, Romnia, December 6th, 2014

Geotechnical investigations and solutions for the stability of a

road built on a sloping ground
1Department

Oana Elena Col1, Nicolae Bou1, Rzvan Chiril1

of Transportation Infrastructure and Foundations, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University,
Iai, 700050, Romania

Summary
This article presents the investigation works made in order to find efficient
solutions for the consolidation of an instable slope located near Cluj Napoca,
where a secondary road will be built. For the evaluation of the local and general
stability of the emplacement, after a local evaluation and observation of the site, it
was decided to perform field and laboratory investigations. In order to determine
all the characteristics needed, a piezometer and inclinometer monitoring
programme of the slope was introduced. After processing all the results, the
parameters that characterize the evolution of active landslides that affected some
sections of the road, were established. The necessary consolidation solutions
needed to control the areas affected by instability, for the maximum safety of the
road, are presented in the end of this article.
KEYWORDS: geotechnical investigations, instability, consolidation solutions,
piezometer, inclinometer

1. INTRODUCTION
Geotechnical investigation programme of the land usually includes field
investigations, laboratory work and monitoring activities. According to EN ISO
22475-1 July 2008 there are three types of sampling methods by which certain
classes of samples of soil quality can be obtained, as follows:
- Category A by which samples of quality classes 1-5 can be obtained;
- Category B by which samples of quality classes 3-5 can be obtained;
- Category C by which samples of quality class 5 can be obtained.
Table 1. Quality classes of ground samples and sampling categories
Quality classes of ground samples
1
2
3
4
A
Sampling categories
B

5
C

O.Col, N. Bou, R. Chiril

Laboratory test programme has to be be performed in accordance to the proposed

objective namely stability analyzed on potential sliding areas and dimensioning
consolidation works, where necessary.
In this case, achieving shear strength parameters will be performed on all the
ground layers that are encountered, and punctually in the possible sliding surfaces,
zones with reduced consistency of the ground samples taken from the stable layer.
The article analyzes a site located in Cluj - Romania where is to be achieved a
bypass road. In this area the route crosses a slope, which in some areas shows
potential slide phenomenon.

Figure 1. Site localization

The analyzed site was affected by landslides in the past and currently has a wavy
appearance. In 2007, in the southern part of the Polus complex, a landslide
occurred, caused by the excavation work done at the base of the slope for building
a retaining wall and the absence of an effective groundwater drainage works. In
order to solve the situation were executed earthworks and two terraces were
implemented, whose configurations were adopted to ensure the stability of the
slope. Currently, geometrically, the slope consists of 4 terraces bounded by slopes
with gradients of approx. 1: 1.

Highway and Bridge Engineering 2014 International Symposium

2. GEOTECHNICAL GROUND INVESTIGATION

From a geomorphological point of view, the site belongs to Transylvanian
Depression unit. The given Neozoic age of the Transylvanian Depression made the
structure of the area to correspond to two different structural levels: one forming
the foundation, and another representing the depression filling.
Many field visits were initially made to establish the site situation in the initial
phase. Distinctive elements were identified on the ground, both natural and
anthropogenic, by which three areas with potential future road damage were
defined.
The first area between the kilometer positions 0+450 and 1+150 extends on a slope
with a maximum gradient of approx. 60, transversal direction on road route. This
area presents fractures, ruptures, ground waving and slightly opposed surfaces.

Figure 2. Slope appearance

Slope area between the kilometer positions 1+700 and 2+000 was affected in 2010
by an important phenomenon of instability, due to the construction of a subsidized
housing. To achieve these properties, excavation works are required and site access
roads, too, resulting in the excavation slopes with heights up to 2.0 m.
In the area of the complex of buildings, landslide phenomena were identified on the
entire slope surface in the form of detachment fronts of unstable land mass.
Currently, the slope seems to be in a state of equilibrium, but it is still an obvious
presence of a high risk of reactivation of landslide phenomena, due to the terrain
configuration that allows deep infiltration of the surface water.

O.Col, N. Bou, R. Chiril

Figure 3. Slope appearance

The third area where we identified distinct elements of landslide phenomena is

between the kilometer positions 2+000 and 2+200. Direct observations were
performed directly on site, making some research on the situation of land during
2007 - 2010, when were reported large landslide phenomenon.
Based on the norms governing geotechnical documentation, a plan was established
to investigate the site, through geotechnical drilling, laboratory tests and
geotechnical monitoring programme.
Therefore, a total of 18 geotechnical drillings were made with disturbed and
undisturbed sampling, with maximum quality class 2 (according to the Table 1). A
total of six boreholes were equipped with tubing in order to undertake specific
inclinometer measurements. Drillings were marked by F01 F18 (Figure 3) and
were between 10.0m and 36.0m depths.
Drilling
code

F01
F02
F03
F04
F05

Table 2. Location of prospecting and monitoring works

Position Drilling Inclinometer Absolute
Absolute coordinates
depth
monitoring
rate
STERERO
`70
[m]
[m]
X
Y
km
21.50
no
+386.31
387628.641 584046.012
1+736
km
23.00
no
+378.83
387614.689 584083.500
1+736
km
21.00
no
+370.00
387878.439 584124.458
2+000
km
17.50
no
+372.00
387962.619 584153.170
2+090
km
15.00
yes
+376.00
387883.787 584108.016
2+000

Highway and Bridge Engineering 2014 International Symposium

F06
F07
F08
F09
F10
F11
F12
F13
F14
F15
F16
F17
F18

km
2+200
km
1+125
km
1+125
km
2+090
km
2+150
km
2+045
km
1+450
km
1+300
km
0+700
km
0+300
km
0+745
km
0+745
km
0+845

15.00

yes

+375.00

388064.932

584183.824

15.00

yes

+408.87

387081.404

583772.258

10.00

no

+404.18

387074.144

583796.131

36.00

yes

+375.96

387969.283

584137.499

14.00

no

+382.00

388022.061

584145.986

10.00

no

+382.00

387932.385

584096.007

10.00

no

+398.50

387373.352

583917.830

10.00

no

+408.00

387252.765

583825.916

15.00

yes

+419.15

386817.127

583510.731

10.50

no

+393.00

386445.928

583364.694

10.50

no

+409.50

386799.258

583578.100

10.50

no

+421.41

386860.656

583552.474

15.00

yes

+406.62

386824.079

583662.761

Figure 3. Location of prospecting and monitoring works

O.Col, N. Bou, R. Chiril

Laboratory tests on soil samples taken from the field were made in close
accordance with the proposed objective, stability analyzes and dimensioning of
consolidation works.
The following tables reveals characteristic values of geotechnical parameters
obtained from laboratory tests.
Layer
name

Vegetab
le soil
Dust
and
sand
dust
Brown
dusty
sand
with
grey
areas
Reddish
dust
Grey
dusty
sand
Reddish
dust
Grey
dusty
sand
Reddish
dust
with
intercal
ations of
grey
sand
Grey
clayey
sand
Grey
dusty

Table 3. Results of physical tests - drilling F09

d
n
w
IP
IC
( - ) kN/m3 kN/m3
(%)
(%)
(%)

e
(-)

Sr
(-)

5.20

13.90

17.92

8.73
23.39

1.00

1.21

18.11

15.73

40.64

0.68

0.60

3.50

13.42

16.35

16.52

14.20

45.39

0.83

0.52

1.50

16.25

16.37

1.03

17.39

14.96

43.34

0.76

0.57

2.00

13.98

1.00

16.17

14.95

1.03

17.72

15.25

42.22

0.73

0.60

0.50

12.74

3.00

15.54

17.44

15.18
18.46

1.02

1.03

17.55

15.19

42.46

0.74

0.57

3.00

19.84

21.01
16.57

21.46
22.08

0.76

0.86

17.08

14.11

46.13

0.86

0.66

18.00

15.44

40.61

0.68

0.64

Laye
r
thick
ness
(m)
0.30

1.00

Highway and Bridge Engineering 2014 International Symposium

sand
Reddish
dust
Grey
dusty
sand
Reddish
clayey
dust
Grey
dusty
sand,
consolid
ated
Reddish
-brown
clayey
dust and
dust

1.00

19.59

21.95

0.96

1.00

17.23

16.52

14.09

45.80

0.85

0.54

4.00

12.98

18.30
14.99

18.86

16.66
26.98

1.00
1.23

17.84

15.79

40.19

0.67

0.52

18.14

15.78

39.33

0.65

0.61

13.96

21.30

20.54
27.03

0.82

1.15

18.67
19.12

15.76
16.38

37.94

40.29

0.61

0.67

0.61

0.85

3.00

6.00

Layer name
Vegetable soil
Dust and sand
dust
Brown dusty sand
with grey areas
Reddish dust
Grey dusty sand
Reddish dust
Grey dusty sand
Reddish dust with
intercalations of
gray sand
Grey clayey sand
Grey dusty sand
Reddish dust
Grey dusty sand
Reddish clayey
dust
Grey dusty sand,
consolidated
Reddish-brown

Table 4. Results of mechanical tests - drilling F09

Layer
Sample
M2-3
()
p2
thickness depth
(kPa x (%)
(m)
102)
0.30

5.20
3.00
103.95 2.95
21

20

3.50

6.00

70.92

3.20

25

1.50
2.00
1.00
0.50
3.00

10.00

13.00

15.00

107.19

116.97

104.18

2.80

2.15

2.20

14

16

19

38

23

3.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
4.00

18.00
20.50

22.50
25.00

53.00
116.37

54.86
106.52

3.55
2.35

3.25
2.65

19
24

20
6

17
2

1
27

3.00

28.00

110.86

2.65

36

6.00

31.00

82.72

2.50

14

23

c (kPa)

8
clayey dust and
dust

O.Col, N. Bou, R. Chiril

36.00

100.33

2.70

19

56

Values of the geotechnical parameters (Xd) were determined from the characteristic
values with the relationship: X d

Xk

(1)

3. STABILITY ANALYSIS AND GEOTECHNICAL MONITORING

Transversal lithological profiles were drawn on the greatest slope lines in order to
analyze stability on sloping areas and possible sliding.//the possibility of sliding
The problem of slopes stability and of the various ground construction mainly
depends on the strength characteristics of the layers constituting the massive. The
stability of these masses is usually estimated by different methods and theoretical
calculation, depending on its type (cohesive or non-cohesive), the slope of the
massif, calculation assumptions, or, practically, by measuring deformations directly
on the ground (slope monitoring systems).
The physical and mechanical characteristics determined correctly allow
interpretation of deformation processes that may be encountered in the field, and
calculations of massive strength and stability of the ground under the slope,
allowing the adoption of design solutions that ensure their stability, both in the
process of consolidation and for new projections works (roads, embankments, earth
dams, artificial slopes).
The stability calculations were performed using the values of shear strength
parameters determined in the laboratory within the additional field and laboratory
investigations programme.

3.1. Modelling site through computer programme

Stability calculation of the site was performed using automatic calculation
specialized software GEO5, using limit equilibrium method Bishop in several
assumptions.
Limit equilibrium methods allow the assumption that the same safety factor has a
constant value for any point of failure surface and stability conditions and is
characterized by its average value.

Highway and Bridge Engineering 2014 International Symposium

Figure 4. Civil 3D surface generation and drawing profiles

Figure 5. Transversal litologic profile 6-6

10

O.Col, N. Bou, R. Chiril

The parameter values used in geotechnical stability analysis (Table 5) resulted

from consideration of the values given after laboratory tests, which were applied on
partial factors of SR EN 1997-1-2004.
No.
layer
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Table 5 Input data used in stability analysis

ef()
kN/m3
Vegetable soil
16.80
14.40
Clay and silty clay
19.20
12.70
Brown reddish sandy clay
18.50
15.20
Brown-grey dusty sand
17.45
13.80
Reddish clay
19.95
7.20
Reddish clayey dust
17.90
12.80
Grey dusty sand, consolidated
17.96
25.60
Layer name

cef(kPa)
5.70
27.80
17.10
5.20
19.30
20.70
9.80

sat
kN/m3
18.00
19.90
19.20
18.32
20.80
18.50
18.10

After running stability analysis to optimize sliding surface in a static regime, a

minimum safety factor Fs = 1.01 was obtained, (Figure 6, Table 6), corresponding
to potential sliding surfaces located at a depth of 11.20 m (depth reported to F06
drilling position).

Figure 6. Location of sliding surface in GEO 5 programme

Analysis profile
Profile 6-6

Table 6. Stability analysis results for 6-6 ' profile

Obtained results
The amount of active forces
Fa = 3784.33 kN/m
The amount of passive forces
Fp = 3821.67 kN/m
The moment of force which Ma = 328971.98 kNm/m
causes the sliding
The moment of forces that oppose Mp = 332218.00 kNm/m

Highway and Bridge Engineering 2014 International Symposium

sliding
Stability factor

11

Fs = 1.01

3.2. Geotechnical monitoring of potential slide areas

Geotechnical boreholes were equipped for monitoring the activity of the slope,
with ABS plastic inclinometer tubes - 70.0 mm diameter, fitted with 4 grooves for
guiding the inclinometer probe.
The space between the borehole walls and inclinometer tubing was filled with
granular material sort 4-8 mm, to ensure the taking over deformations in the
surrounding ground mass. After drilling equipping, the upper inclinometer tubing
was protected with metal tube and reinforced concrete slab.
In order to achieve measurements, RST Digital Mems Inclinometer System
equipment (Figure 5.21) has been used, with a biaxial probe. For recording
deformations of the four directions, two probe passes along the inclinometer tubing
were required (Figure 5.22, Figure 5.24). According to the certificates provided by
the manufacturer, the maximum error of the device is 2 mm / 25m.

Figure 7. RST Digital Mems Inclinometer System

The monitoring activity was performed between November 2013 and April 2014
through seven stages of records, according to the schedule specified in Table 7.
Inclinometer borehole
Date of making measurement
13 November 2013
02 December 2013
16 December 2013

Table 7. Monitoring schedule

F05
F06
F07
Stage
C0
C0
C0
C1
C1
C1
C2
C2
C2

F09

F14

F18

C0
C1
C2

C0
C1
C2

C0
C1
C2

12

O.Col, N. Bou, R. Chiril

10 January 2014
29 January 2014
19 February 2014
13 March 2014
03 April 2014

C3
C4
C5
C6
C7

C3
C4
C5
C6
C7

C3
C4
C5
C6
C7

C3
C4
C5
C6
C7

C3
C4
C5
C6
C7

C3
C4
C5
C6
C7

Inclinometer monitoring records and results certify that from the whole area
analyzed the phenomenon of instability, it is active only in the characteristic
profiles of 6-6 'and 7-7' zones (section between km 1+920 2+160 - upstream
POLUS shopping complex).
Based on visual observations on the site, where specific elements have been
identified for the existence of the instability phenomena and monitoring the results,
it appears that the landslides in the analyzed area, with the exception of 1+920
2+160, is in a temporary equilibrium, classified in the stabilized landslides
category.

Figure 8. Relative displacement and displacement vector of inclinometer F05

Highway and Bridge Engineering 2014 International Symposium

13

Figure 9. Maximum displacement vector evolution of inclinometer F05

Taking into account the values of inclinometer movements recorded during the
monitoring programme and classification of land movement in the very slow
landslides category (as GT 006-97), the actual situation on site can be assimilated
with a subunit safety factor, near the limit of equilibrium state.

4. CONSOLIDATION SOLUTIONS
Through geotechnical investigations, stability analyzes and geotechnical
monitoring programme, the necessity for strengthen solutions implementation was
highlighted in order that the road will be exploited in safe conditions.
Thus, the following measures and methods to improve the slopes for respective
location were analyzed and disposed:
-

Geometric methods to achieve softer slopes, the creation of berms and

banquets - to ensure minimum width of the road;

Drainage methods a depth drainage for lowering groundwater and

surface drains to remove water from seepage;

Mechanical methods - consolidating elements able to take up the forces

given by the ground action.

Engineering consolidation works of unstable slopes are subjected to lateral force

exerted by massive ground with which they come into contact. The intensity of
lateral forces depend on the possibility of displacement and deformation of the
support element and on shear strength mobilization on potential sliding plane. The
support structures will be dimensioned for this purpose based on existing failure
theories and through computer programmes.

5. CONCLUSIONS
The case study presented in this article confirms the importance of geotechnical
investigations for different locations as being the ways of communication, in order
to know the mechanism of deformable ground.
Determining the number and type of investigation both by drillings and in situ
monitoring works for designing a road is often a difficult problem due to the cost
related to investment value. However, experience has shown that a complete set of
investigations leads to an economic and safe design.

14

O.Col, N. Bou, R. Chiril

The implementation of such a project by creating a new road system on a slope,

which includes cut and fill, produces significant changes in the state of the massive
efforts.
The presence inside the massive of groundwater in permeable layers constitutes a
danger to the stability of the slope, due to local and general hydrodynamic
entrainment of fine particles and decreasing shear strength parameters.
The analysis of case study shows that the additional information obtained from the
monitoring of landslides allow correct identification of parameters that characterize
landslide and its classification into different categories; highlighting the active
landslide areas and areas that are in a state of temporary equilibrium; development
of calculations of inverse analysis for assessing the stability reserve given the
known position of the sliding surface.
Based on information from the literature regarding monitoring planning, it was
considered useful to highlight the issues that involves the knowledge of the
phenomenon of slip, and puts under control of the affected areas to reduce the risk
of instability.
As a final conclusion we can say that through some clear and actual stages on
geotechnical investigation of a slope leads to optimal design and eliminates the risk
of roads exploitation.

References
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city of Iai, Computation Civil Engineering, page. 299-307;
2. Bou N., Chiril R., Grigore D. (2014) Stability analysis of a national road using shear strength
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Section Hydrogeology, Engineering Geology and Geotechnics, Slope stability models and
management ISBN 978-619-7105-08-7, ISSN 1314-2704, page. 847-852;
3. Chiril R. (2013) Over the shear strength, mobilization, models and theories for ground failure,
Doctoral School Report, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi;
4. Chiril R., Grigore D., Muat V. (2014) Modeling and stability calculations for transport
infrastructure by numerical methods, XV Danube-European Conference on Geotechnical
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measurement for choosing road consolidation solution, XV Danube-European Conference on
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