Slope Stability Analysis of Road Cut Slopes Using Limit Equilibrium Method in Kumaun Lesser Himalayan Belt

The tectonic and anthropogenic activity in lesser Himalayas made it prone to Landslides. Living beings, all development projects such as the construction of highways, tunnels, dams, bridges, etc., and tourism in hilly areas are affected by landslides. The landslides occur in different forms which include rockfall, road subsidence, and complete slope failure. The majority of landslides occur during monsoon time due to the saturation of rock mass; the resistance force decreases than the driving force and the slope is being unstable. Therefore, identification, recognition, characterization, and zonation of blocks or debris, plays vital role in the study of slope stability. The slope stability analysis using a conventional method like the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) directly depends on the geological conditions of the slope mass. The FoS calculated by this method should be more precise. The present study focuses on the Limit Equilibrium Method in Lesser Himalayan road cut slopes. The Factor of Safety was estimated for two critical slopes based on the Mohr–Coulomb criteria. Finally, the mitigation and remedial measures are suggested for identified vulnerable slopes.