Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


kent1279208895.pdf (23.47 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Developing Design Methodology for Cut Slopes in Ohio

Admassu, Yonathan
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1279208895

Abstract Details

2010, PHD, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Earth Sciences.
Design of cut slopes along Ohio highways depends on geologic conditions and type of slope stability problems prevalent in the state. Based on the stratigraphy and the type of slope stability problems, the flat lying, Paleozoic age, sedimentary rocks of Ohio were divided into three design units: 1) competent rock design unit consisting of sandstones, limestones, and siltstones that may exhibit discontinuity-related failures; 2) incompetent rock design unit consisting of shales, claystones, and mudstones that may exhibit raveling and gully erosion; and 3) interlayered rock design unit consisting of both competent and incompetent rocks where differential weathering may result in undercutting-induced failures. Geological parameters (stratigraphy, joint orientation, joint spacing, bedding thickness, total unit thickness), geotechnical parameters (point load index, slake durability index, rock quality designation) and geometrical parameters (slope heights, slope angles) were compiled from data collected from 49 cut slopes representing the three design units. These parameters were used for the commonly performed slope stability analyses techniques against rotational failure using geological strength index (GSI) for all design units, and Franklin’s shale rating system for incompetent and interlayered design units. Stability against discontinuity orientation controlled failures in competent units was also analyzed. The results showed that study sites for the most part are stable against rotational failure as well as discontinuity-orientation controlled failures such as plane, wedge and toppling failures. Additional analyses that focused on the prevalent problems were investigated and included 1) use of cartoon models to study undercutting-induced toppling in the case of competent design units 2) relationship between talus angle and stable slope angle against ravelling for incompetent design units. 3) multiple regression analysis to identify factors that contribute to undercutting of competent rocks underlain by incompetent rocks. Slopes at 0.5H:1V for competent design units; and 2H:1V – 1.5H:1V for incompetent and interlayered design units are adequate in minimizing the potential for the identified types of failure. For competent and interlayered design units steeper slopes at 0.25H:1V in conjunction with stabilization techniques are also recommended. Bench and catchment ditch designs for the three design units are recommended based on rockfall simulation analysis.
Abdul Shakoor, Dr. (Committee Chair)
Peter Dahl, Dr. (Committee Member)
Wells Neil, Dr. (Committee Member)
Kazim Khan, Dr. (Committee Member)
Mandy Munro-Stasiuk, Dr. (Committee Member)
618 p.
Geology
Ohio rock slopes; cut slopes; rockfalls; undercutting; kinematic analysis; GSI

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Admassu, Y. (2010). Developing Design Methodology for Cut Slopes in Ohio [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1279208895

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Admassu, Yonathan. Developing Design Methodology for Cut Slopes in Ohio. 2010. Kent State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1279208895.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Admassu, Yonathan. "Developing Design Methodology for Cut Slopes in Ohio." Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1279208895

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1279208895
595
© 2010, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.