A Case History of Bank Stabilization-Lessons Learned

A case history is presented where the slopes on a bayou were progressively eroding and failing. An engineered reinforced earth slope was designed and constructed for two separate locations along Buffalo Bayou in Houston, TX, but the implemented slope repairs ultimately failed during or soon after construction. A second reinforced earth slope design was then implemented at one location, but again resulted in slope failure during construction. The authors undertook the project after the second failure. The two prior bank stabilization designs were analyzed to determine the cause(s) of these failures. Aggressive shear strength parameters had been used without consideration of residual shear strength after the initial failures. Additionally, inclinometers indicated that slope failure occurred at elevations below the reinforced section of the slope. The authors considered various options for repairs before a soldier pier cantilever wall system was adopted.