Rehabilitation of a Distressed Vertical Cut in Lateritic Soil

A vertical cut of 31 m height made in lateritic soil developed distress and failed in a region having heavy rainfall extending for over six months. The delayed failure happened almost after thirty years of creating the cut slope. Cracks developed in the remaining portions threatening the constructed buildings. Based on the field reconnaissance and geotechnical investigation, various options for rehabilitation were considered, and the reconstruction of the slope with a steeper slope and soil reinforcement was chosen. The fascia of the reinforced soil slope was chosen so as to ensure the growth of vegetation and thus reduce the carbon footprint. The design and construction sequence of the system is discussed herein. Continuing rains and the resulting localized failures hampered the progress of the construction and interim stabilizing measures had to be adopted to prevent the smaller ongoing failures. The work is in progress.