Lanslide control, also known as slope stabilization or surface erosion control, is the process of assessing the amount of stress a slope or earthen area can manage before failing. From there, a stabilization plan is developed and implemented in order to prevent erosion or landslides.
Landslide control services are used for various projects including, but not limited to:
- Commercial or private roads/walkways
- Dams or reservoirs
- Excavation reinforcement
- Trails for forests and parks
Slope stabilization is beneficial for a variety of reasons. It helps increase usable property, it helps prevent erosion and runoff, increases site safety, and can overall improve the look of your property.
An important component of landslide control services is drainage and stormwater management. Aside from human use, water is erosion’s second biggest enemy. In order to best combat both issues, determining the appropriate retaining wall or erosion control method is critical to the success of landslide control.
The Landslide Control Process
The effective prevention of erosion or managing surface erosion not only requires expertise, but is also dependent on the type of project.
Step 1. Assessment
Before determining which approach is best, an assessment needs to be conducted. During the consultation, an expert will assess the site conditions as well as the slope geometry. Several other factors will also need to be considered, such as:
- What footing size may be needed
- If a block wall or poured in place concrete is necessary
- If stabilization requires the use of caissons
Step 2. Stabilization Plan Development
After the assessment stage, our experts move into the design stage. During this part of the process a customized plan is developed. Sometimes this will require the use of chemical compounds to reinforce slope material or calls for the installment of physical reinforcement, such as piles or retaining walls. Depending on the project, landslide control will work to divert debris pathways, and reroute surface and underwater drainage.
Step 3. Implementation
Once the design has been finalized, the reinforcement part of the process can begin. Typically, this will include the following stabilization and/or control methods:
- Concrete Retaining Walls. This method uses concrete blocks which lock together and does not require any mortar to bond them. The soil behind it must be tightly packed in order to maintain a solid hold. If any loose soil exists the retaining wall may weaken and may ultimately collapse. Concrete retaining walls easily form curves which is typically a requirement of this stabilization approach.
- Steel Beam/Pipe Pile Retaining Walls. These are often used on extreme slopes where a concrete wall is too expensive. The steel beams are usually placed in a pre-drilled hole and encased in concrete.
GeoGrid Systems. GeoGrid textile fabric is often used to rebuild slopes that have previously failed due to a landslide or mudslide. Generally, this is often the most cost effective approach.
Unlimited Drilling & Foundations Inc. was founded in 1993. Over the past 28 years, the company has completed thousands of foundation repair, slope stabilization and drainage systems projects in Southern California.