Stabilization of Exposed Vertical Soil Strata along Munting Ilog Bridge, Silang, Cavite, Philippines

Slope stabilization is a vital component of geohazard mitigation, ensuring the protection of lives, infrastructure, and transportation networks in regions vulnerable to landslides and seismic events. This study focuses on a 40 m-long exposed vertical soil stratum adjacent to the Munting Ilog Bridge in Silang, Cavite—a critical transportation link to the Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and nearby residential communities. A detailed geotechnical investigation was conducted, comprising field sampling, particle size distribution, moisture-density relationship testing, and direct shear tests, which confirmed that the site soil is cohesionless well-graded sand (SW) with a moist unit weight of 17.31 kN/m3 and an internal friction angle of 37°. Multiple stabilization techniques—cut-sloping, soil netting, shotcrete facing, and reinforced concrete retaining walls—were evaluated based on structural safety, site constraints, and life-cycle performance. The analysis concluded that a U-shaped reinforced concrete retaining wall is the most technically and economically viable solution, meeting factors of safety for sliding, overturning, and bearing capacity while providing long-term stability and minimal maintenance requirements.