Multiple slope stretches along the National and State Highways in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, were affected by erosion and surficial instability, particularly during the monsoon season, due to erosive agents such as wind, water and gravity. These agents caused unchecked erosion, leading to the formation of rills and gullies, which eventually resulted in slope failures and landslides. Such conditions posed serious risks to public safety and disrupted normal traffic flow. Hence, it became essential to protect the slopes and control erosion through appropriate vegetative measures.

Following a detailed technical assessment, slope protection and sub-surface drainage measures were designed and implemented. To address surficial instability, suitably designed self-drilling anchors were installed. MacMat® HS (high-strength steel-reinforced synthetic geomat) was used as the facing system in combination with hydromulching, a hydraulically applied erosion control technique. This system helped retain soil on the slope surface and provided protection at the early stages of plant growth, enabling natural vegetation to withstand the extreme effects of wind and water erosion.

Hydromulching promoted vegetation growth on the protected slopes within a few weeks, enhancing surficial stability, reducing erosion, and ensuring long-term protection of the exposed cut slopes. In addition, sub-surface drainpipes were installed along the slope face to safely discharge sub-surface water, thereby reducing pore water pressure buildup and improving overall slope stability.

Read more about our solutions by clicking on the link: https://www.maccaferri.com/in/solutions/slope-protection/