1. Mitigation of Slope Creep by Subsurface Drainage
- Author
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Steven L. Pawlak, Norm Bacheldor, and Robert Pattillo
- Subjects
Hydrology ,Creep ,Piezometer ,Slope stability ,Geotechnical engineering ,Subsurface drainage ,Inclinometer ,Confined water ,Casing ,Geology - Abstract
The impacts of slope creep on two residences in the Vail ski area were evaluated by floor elevation and wall plumb monitoring, and hillside stability was evaluated by subsurface exploration, multi-depth piezometers and inclinometer casing surveys. Exploratory borings identified a relatively deep, confined water bearing layer with piezometeric levels between about 2 to 4 m (6 to 12 feet) above the ground surface, and a possible basal shear surface between 7 1/2 and 13 m (23 and 42 feet) below the ground surface uphill of the residences. Subsurface drainage by use of low angle (horizontal and declined) drains was installed to depths of 76 to 105 m (250 to 340 feet) in a fan shape below the properties. The piezometer water levels responded quickly after drain construction with a drop of about 14 m (45 feet) uphill of the residences and between about 5 to 10 m (18 to 33 feet) adjacent to the residences. Monitoring of the piezometers, inclinometers and buildings has continued to evaluate the effectiveness of slope creep mitigation. Based on the relatively large drops in the piezometric levels, and the subsequent monitoring results, subsurface drainage appears to have significantly improved the hillside stability and stopped or reduced the slope creep movements.
- Published
- 2000
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