Slope Stability Reference Guide For National Forests In The United States

Presents the three-level method of slope stability studies, conducted for watershed analyses, ecosystem management support, timber sale area planning, slope stability along road corridors & other route studies, & detailed (site-specific) level for stabilization measures. Also covers the forest planning process, geomorphology, channel processes & sediment budgets, climatology, soil & rock mechanics, hydrogeology, exploration, testing methods & risk analysis as they apply to slope stability.

"In the United States it is estimated that 75 percent of all roads are low volume roads maintained by some 35,000 local agencies. Low volume roads often omit surface slope protection, and this can lead to slope failure, erosion, and maintenance, safety, and ecological issues. This report presents information on cost effective and sustainable road slope stabilization techniques, with a focus on shallow or near surface slope stabilization and related erosion control methods used on low volume roads. To fully address this topic, planning and site investigation are discussed, as well as erosion control techniques, soil bioengineering and biotechnical techniques, mechanical stabilization, and earthwork techniques. Information presented in this report was obtained through an extensive literature review, and from survey and interview responses. From the survey responses, 30 individuals were interviewed based on the information they made available in the survey. A total of 25 interviews were conducted over the phone, and in two cases written responses were received"--Preface.