Use of Live Poles for Stabilization of a Shallow Slope Failure
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 140, Issue 10
Abstract
Soil bioengineering methods consisting of live poles and brush layers were used to stabilize shallow slides and control erosion on an embankment slope in eastern Ohio. Plant survival rates, slope movement, soil moisture content, and soil suction were measured. Load tests were performed to evaluate resistance of the poles, and results were used to estimate the stability of the repaired slope. Seven years after the repair was completed, vegetation is well established and the slope is stable, which is in agreement with calculated safety factors. This study indicates that soil bioengineering methods can be used for stabilization of shallow failures; however, the method may not be immediately effective, and the time of installation and soil moisture conditions are important for survival of the poles.
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Acknowledgments
This research was part of a larger project on the use of soil bioengineering methods for slope stabilization, which was sponsored by ODOT and the DOT. Ohio State University personnel performed the installation and monitoring. Boring, sampling, and classification tests were conducted by ODOT. D. H. Barker, D. H. Gray, and D. K. Struve were consultants on the project. D. H. Barker also supervised the first planting of willow poles. R. Lal measured the soil-water characteristic curve, and K. Beach and S. Taliaferro served as ODOT project liaisons. D. H. Gray, D. H. Barker, and the reviewers provided many helpful comments and suggestions on the manuscript. Their contributions are gratefully acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 140 • Issue 10 • October 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 23, 2013
Accepted: Jun 11, 2014
Published online: Jul 14, 2014
Published in print: Oct 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Dec 14, 2014
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