Stabilizer selection for arresting surficial slope failures: A sustainability perspective

Surficial slope failures are a common occurrence in many earthen embankments, especially in arid climates where long dry summers are followed by heavy rainfall event that trigger these failures. Shallow slope stabilization using chemical additives such as lime and cement, or using engineered geomaterials such as compost have been employed with reasonable success in the field. The selection of the type of stabilizer to be employed for these stabilization purposes is mainly based on the strength improvements and cost considerations. It is important to consider social, economic and environmental impacts of using certain stabilizers for mitigating the slope failures. However, there are no established procedures that help engineers select stabilizers based on their sustainability aspects. Hence, in this study an attempt has been made to rank three commonly used stabilizers for slope stabilization based on both the strength improvements and sustainability impacts. This analysis was performed as part of an ongoing study where stabilizers such as lime, compost and polypropylene fibers are currently being studied to arrest shallow slope failures. The stabilizers were ranked based on their field performance from the monitoring data and sustainability impacts based on cost benefits.