Numerical modeling for soil slope stability analysis and mitigation measures along the Weyiza–Wulokode section towards Chencha, Southern Ethiopia
摘要
This study presents a numerical modeling-based assessment of slope stability along the Weyiza–Wulokode section in the Southern part of Ethiopia, where complex geological and climatic conditions are leading to frequent slope failures. For laboratory testing, soil samples were collected from key slope sections following a thorough field investigation. The soils were classified as clay with high compressibility(CH), silt with high compressibility (MH), A-7-5, and A-7-6. These soils are highly plastic, fine-grained, and highly moisture-sensitive. Laboratory tests, such as Atterberg limits, grain-size distribution, specific gravity, and direct shear tests, were performed to determine engineering properties. To assess slope stability, the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) implemented in Rocscience SLIDE V6 was used. The various methods included Bishop, Janbu, Spencer, and Morgenstern–Price under static, dynamic, dry, and saturated conditions. In the natural moisture condition, the factor of safety (FoS) was 0.699 to 1.546 (static) and 0.592 to 1.162 (dynamic). Under fully saturated conditions, FoS significantly decreased from 0.347 to 0.983 (static), indicative of destabilization. Sensitivity analysis showed that cohesion was the most influential parameter in slope stability. Mitigation measures adopted for the cutting slopes include slope flattening and soil nailing methods, which improved the value of FoS, exceeding 1.411. It is suggested that decreasing the slope angle and incorporating soil nailing are the remedial measures that not only contribute towards geotechnical safety but also reduce disaster risks, the maintenance cost of damages and interruptions to services of a sustainable transport infrastructure; these contribute towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to resilient infrastructure, safe mobility, and climate adaptation.