Characteristics, Fertility Status and Fertility Capability Classification of Steep Slope Soils of the Dschang Cliff (Cameroon Western Highlands)

Mountainous ecosystem soils are subject to colonization nowadays for agricultural purposes due to an increasing population in towns making the detailed characterization of such soils indispensable. This work aims to characterize the steep slopes soils of the Dschang hills and to evaluate their fertility level for agricultural valorization. Thus, four soil profiles were dug at various topographic positions (summit (SP), shoulder (MP), backslope (BP) and footslope (PP)) following a toposequence. Samples of disturbed and undisturbed soils were taken and analyzed in the laboratory according to standard methods. The Fertility Capability Classification (FCC) and simple limitation methods were used to identify major agricultural constraints. The main results show that profiles thickness is moderate, between 0 and 120 cm, with a high sand content (at least 50%) over the entire toposequence, especially at the surface. The study site has four types of soils, namely Eutric Cambisols (ochric) in SP and Leptic Eutric Cambisols (Humic) in MP, Eutric Cambisols (Humic) in BP and Stagnic Oxygleyic Dystric Gleysols (Humic) in pp. The soils are very acidic at PP, moderately acidic at BP and SP and slightly acidic at MP. Organic matter is higher at the surface than at depth at the topographic segments of MP, BP and PP and low to SP. The C/N ratio is high (>17) in all profiles except P4 (<10). In addition, the cation exchange capacity (CEC), the sum of exchangeable bases, total nitrogen and available phosphorus is low in all profiles. The Ca/ Mg/K balance in all the profiles shows a cation imbalance and a relatively high concentration of exchangeable potassium compared to the ideal situation (76% Ca, 18% Mg and 6% K). The major constraints to crop production are: aluminum toxicity (a) and nutrients leaching (e), textural discontinuity (LS), flooding (g), low nutrient reserve (k), sand (S), clay (C) and slope (t). Hence the fertility capacity classes of these soils are CCaegk (PP), SSek (BP), SSte (MP) and LSaek (SP). To improve the yield, it will require off-season crop cultivation, fertilization and liming, and earthworks.

Deformation and failure of a high-steep slope induced by multi-layer coal mining

During underground mining,accurate revelation on the deformation and failure mechanisms of a high-steep slope under multi-layer mining conditions facilitates the prevention and control of geological disasters in mines.Numerical simulation based on discrete element theory can be used to explore the characteristics and mechanism of action of deformation and failure of a slope under complex geological and multi-layer mining conditions.By utilising PFC2 D(particle flow code) software,the deformation and failure characteristics of a high-steep slope in Faer Coal Mine in Guizhou Province,China were investigated.Additionally,the mechanism of influence of different numbers of mining layers on the deformation and failure of the high and steep slope was elucidated.The result showed that after the goaf passed by the slope toe,multi-layer mining aggravated the subsidence and deformation of the slope toe:the slope toppled forward as it sank.The toppling of the slope changed the slope structures:the strata in the front of the slope were transformed from anti-dip to down-dip features.Extruded by collapsedtoppled rock mass,the slope toe and the rock mass located in the lower part of the slope toe generally exhibited a locking effect on the slope.Multi-layer mining degraded the overall stability of the slope,in that the total displacement of the slope was much greater than the total mining thickness of the coal seams.Based on the aforementioned research,ideas for preventing and controlling geological disasters during mining operations under a high-steep slope were proposed.

Study on high and steep slope stability of surface mine based on RFPA-SRM

The instability and failure mechanism of high and steep slopes in surface mines, and the basis for some reasonable landslide prevention measures were provided using the RFPA-SRM. Based on the actual progress of the Pingzhuang Western Surface Mine and based on strength reduction method, the dynamic instability processes of the top high and steep slope was simulated. Also, the landslide mode was determined, the characteristics of the displacement distribution, the deformation, failure, and the stress distribution in the slope were demonstrated, and the stability was calculated. Conclusions can be drawn as follows： the landslide or failure of high and steep slopes on a surface mine is a gradual process, in which the slope undergoes the generation, expansion, and connection of the fractures and the displacement increases until landslide occurs; a small portion of the upper rocks fail due to the tension and the lower rocks fail due to the shear; the potential sliding surface is combined and the essential cause of the landslide is the shear stress concentration.

Research on Deformation and Force of Bridge Pile Foundation on High and Steep Slope in Mountainous Area

With the rapid development of my country’s economy, the demand for infrastructure construction is also increasing. However, in most areas of China, the terrains are mountainous and hilly. Some projects have to be built on steep slopes. Choosing viaducts or half-bridges on high-steep slopes is not only conducive to the protection of the surrounding environment, but also conducive to the stability of the slope. Bridges usually choose the form of pile foundation-high pier bridge. This paper uses numerical simulation to study and analyze the bridge pile foundation of the slope section. Relying on actual engineering, use the finite element software ABAQUS6.14 to establish a three-dimensional finite element model to study the bearing mechanism and mechanical characteristics of the pile foundation under vertical load, horizontal load and inclined load, discuss the influence of the nature of the soil around the pile and the stiffness of the pile body on the deformation and internal force of the bridge pile foundation in the slope section. The analysis results show that the horizontal load has a great influence on the horizontal displacement of the pile, but has a small influence on the vertical displacement, and the vertical load is just the opposite. Inclined load has obvious “p-Δ” effect. The increase in soil elastic modulus and pile stiffness will reduce the displacement of the pile foundation, but after reaching a certain range, the displacement of the pile foundation will tend to be stable. Therefore, in actual engineering, if the displacement of the pile foundation fails to meet the requirements, the hardness of the soil and the stiffness of the pile can be appropriately increased, but not blindly.

Application of Three-Dimensional Laser Scanning and Surveying in Geological Investigation of High Rock Slope

The appearance of 3D laser scanning technology is one of the most important technology revolutions in surveying and mapping field. It can be widely used in many interrelated fields, such as engineering constructions and 3D measurements, owing to its prominent characteristics of the high efficiency and high precision. At present its application is still in the initial state, and it is quite rarely used in China, especially in geotechnical engineering and geological engineering fields. Starting with a general introduction of 3D laser scanning technology, this article studies how to apply the technology to high rock slope investigations. By way of a case study, principles and methods of quick slope documentation and occurrence measurement of discontinuities are discussed and analyzed. Analysis results show that the application of 3D laser scanning technology to geotechnical and geological engineering has a great prospect and value.

Experimental Study on Performance of Multidirectional Geogrid and Its Application in Engineering of High Slope

By analyzing the grille mechanical property, tensile strength and creep tests, and the fi eld tests, we investigated the characteristics and the reinforcement principle of multidirectional geogrid, and obtained the effect factors of grid characteristics, load and time curve and the shear stress of grille and sand interface. The reinforcement effect of geogrid in combination of typical project cases was illustrated and the following conclusions were presented. Firstly, multidirectional geogrid has ability to resist structural deformation, node distortion or soil slippage under stress, and can effectively disperse load. Secondly, with the increase of tensile rate, grille intensity increases and the creep value also increases with the increase of load. Thirdly, the frictional resistance balance between horizontal thrust of damaged zone and reinforced soil in stable region can avoid slope failure due to excessive lateral deformation. Fourthly, the multidirectional geogrid is able to withstand the vertical, horizontal and diagonal forces by combing them well with three-dimensional orientation, realizing the purpose of preventing soil erosion and slope reinforcement, which has a wide range of application and development in engineering fi eld.

Quantitative analysis of biotechnical reinforcement for a steep slope consisting of composite coal-gangue-soil medium adjacent to a mined-out area

The engineering and geological characteristics of a steep slope consisting of coal gangue, rock and soil medium in Huating coal mine have been comprehensively investigated. Owing to humid weather, heavy rainfall, vegetation and porous characteristics of the soil and rock mass, the steep slope will be destabilized and induce mud-rock flow or derive hazard easily. Firstly, based on the classical slope reinforcement theory, some regularity between the shear and displacement in the destabilized zone of the slope with or without root strength contribution is presented. Then, based on the experimental and statistical analysis of root strength, hydrological characteristics and stability status, etc., some possible biotechnical techniques for reinforcement of the steep slope have been suggested. These methods are important for quantitative analysis of destabilization of the slope and design of the biotechnical reinforcement.

Large deformation and failure mechanism analyses of Tangba high slope with a high-intensity and complex excavation process

The Tangba high slope is mainly composed of coarse soils and supplies core wall materials for the construction of the Changheba dam. Since the filling intensity of the Changheba dam is high, the Tangba high slope suffers from a high-intensity excavation process, and reinforcement measures are usually not implemented immediately. Moreover, the distribution of useful materials is uneven and insufficient, and the mixing of different soil materials is necessary; thus, multiple simultaneous excavations and secondary excavation are inevitable. In the construction period from 2012 to 2016, large deformations occurred in this area, and one of the largest monitored horizontal deformations whose direction points to the opposite side of the valley even reached more than 8000 mm. According to field investigation, site monitoring and theoretical analysis, the large deformation in the Tangba high slope can be divided into two phases. In the first phase, the excavation construction breaks the original stress equilibrium state; in the second phase, the precipitation infiltration accelerates the deformation. Thus, the excavation construction and precipitation infiltration are the two major factors promoting the deformation, and the high-intensity and complex excavation process is the fundamental cause. Notably, rate of slope deformation significantly accelerated in rainy seasons due to precipitation infiltration; the rate also accelerated in early 2016 due to the high-intensity, complex excavation process. Comprehensively considering the above factors, timely and effective reinforcement measures are essential.

Research on Effect of Heap Loading on Deformation and Mechanical Properties of Bridge Double Pile Foundation on Steep Slope

In order to analyze the deformation and stress characteristics of the pile foundation on the slope, this paper uses the finite element software Abaqus for numerical simulation. The displacement and stress data of pile under different working conditions (the combination of heap load and vertical load and horizontal load and inclined load) were collected;the distribution of pile displacement, axial force and bending moment were analyzed. Simulation results show that: slope top loading has little effect on vertical displacement; when the heap load exceeds 200 kPa, the horizontal displacement is greatly affected. Pile axial force decreases with pile burial depth;pile lateral resistance plays a more adequate role in the rock and soil layer. The bending moment of double pile foundation is positive at the top and negative at the bottom. Applied oblique load has obvious p-Δ effect.

Assessment of soil erosion in the Irga watershed on the eastern edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau,India

Human activities to improve the quality of life have accelerated the natural rate of soil erosion.In turn,these natural disasters have taken a great impact on humans.Human activities,particularly the conversion of vegetated land into agricultural land and built-up area,stand out as primary contributors to soil erosion.The present study investigated the risk of soil erosion in the Irga watershed located on the eastern fringe of the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand,India,which is dominated by sandy loam and sandy clay loam soil with low soil organic carbon(SOC)content.The study used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation(RUSLE)and Geographical Information System(GIS)technique to determine the rate of soil erosion.The five parameters(rainfall-runoff erosivity(R)factor,soil erodibility(K)factor,slope length and steepness(LS)factor,cover-management(C)factor,and support practice(P)factor)of the RUSLE were applied to present a more accurate distribution characteristic of soil erosion in the Irga watershed.The result shows that the R factor is positively correlated with rainfall and follows the same distribution pattern as the rainfall.The K factor values in the northern part of the study area are relatively low,while they are relatively high in the southern part.The mean value of the LS factor is 2.74,which is low due to the flat terrain of the Irga watershed.There is a negative linear correlation between Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)and the C factor,and the high values of the C factor are observed in places with low NDVI.The mean value of the P factor is 0.210,with a range from 0.000 to 1.000.After calculating all parameters,we obtained the average soil erosion rate of 1.43 t/(hm^(2)•a),with the highest rate reaching as high as 32.71 t/(hm^(2)•a).Therefore,the study area faces a low risk of soil erosion.However,preventative measures are essential to avoid future damage to productive and constructive activities caused by soil erosion.This study also identifies the spatial distribution of soil erosion rate,which will help policy-makers to implement targeted soil erosion control measures.

Impact of a Low Severity Fire on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Characteristics in Japanese Cedar Soil, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

Slash and burn practices are widely used around the globe with different degrees of success which are mostly related to the impact of fire on soil properties. In Japan slash and burn practises, known as Yakihata, have a long history and are still used in Yamagata Prefecture today. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a low severity controlled fire underneath Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) on brown forest soil (Cambisol). Japanese Cedar is the dominant species among plantations in Japan. We measured organic carbon and nitrogen content as well as changes in carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope composition in a steep west facing slope under heavy precipitation (~2600 mm/a) and heavy snowfall (~3 to 4 m/a). The accumulation of Ctotal and Ntotal at the bottom of the slopes was remarkably higher at the slash and burned site than in the control forest site. After slash and burn δ15N isotopes in the slope in general became significantly lighter than in the control forest while the δ13C did not show any significant difference between the two sites except at the bottom of the slopes where δ13C was heavier in the forest. The results show that Ctotal and Ntotal values as well as the isotopes ratios of C and N change with decreasing elevation in the forest as well as in the burned site being consistent with leaching and erosion. The changes in soil nitrogen and carbon isotopes at the bottom of the slope appear to be related to the transport of material with different isotopic composition from the upper slope. The effect of the low severity fire (as part of the slash and burn practice) on soil organic carbon and nitrogen movement was enhanced by the steepness of the slopes and the high precipitation of Shonai region.

Soil Bunds Effect on Soil Properties under Different Topographies of the Southwest Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a major environmental problem affecting development endeavor.Physical soil and water conservation(SWC)measures such as soil bunds are implemented to mitigate soil erosion.However,information on the effects of soil bunds on soil fertility is limited.This study was aimed to evaluate soil quality in fields with soil bunds and with no soil bunds in steep,middle and lower sloping cultivated lands as well as spatial variation of soil properties in between bunds in southwest Ethiopia.About 7-15 years old bunds and nearby cultivated fields lacking bunds were assessed.From 0 cm-20 cm soil depth,a 36 soil samples were collected.Soil texture,soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(N_(tot))and exchangeable potassium(K_(exch))were analyzed.Soil bunds showed significantly(p<0.0.5)greater clay but less sand than adjacent no-bund fields.In steep,middle,and lower slopes,concentrations of SOC and Kexch were greater in fields with soil bunds than without.Lower slope fields showed greater clay,SOC and nutrients than steep slopes.In between soil bunds,soil was more fertile at above bunds than below the bunds.In Fanta watershed,soil bunds are vital conservation measure to retain soil fertility on cultivated mountainous area.

Field Study of HPTRM Combined with Vegetation and Anchor to Protect Newly Excavated Expansive Soil Slope

Anchor reinforced vegetation system(ARVS)comprises high performance turf reinforcement mats(HPTRM),vegetation and anchors.It is a new attempt to apply the system in expansive soil slope protection.The goal of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of ARVS in protecting newly excavated expansive soil slopes.The field tests on the bare slope,grassed slope and ARVS protective slope were carried out,including natural and artificial rainfall.During the test,the soil water content,soil deformation,and anchor axial force were monitored,and then the slope protection mechanism of ARVS was analyzed.It was found that ARVS can effectively protect expansive soil slopes compared with bare slopes and grassed slopes.The vegetation and HPTRM form a reinforced turf,and the anchors fix it to the slope surface,thus restraining the expansion deformation.The axial force on the anchor of ARVS includes frictional resistance and tensile force transmitted by HPTRM,which is maximum at the early stage of support.The neutral point of the anchor of ARVS moves deeper under atmospheric action,but the vegetation and HPTRM on the slope surface can limit this movement.

Buckling failure analysis and numerical manifold method simulation for high and steep slope: A case study

Buckling failure of layered rock slopes due to self-weight is common in mountain areas, especially for high andsteep slope, and it frequently results in serious disasters. Previous research has focused on qualitatively evaluatingslope buckling stability and rarely studied the whole process from bending deformation to forming landslide. Inthis work, considering the tensile and compressive characteristics of rock, the simulation of high and steep slopebucking failure evolved in Bawang Mountain, was conducted by numerical manifold method. The bucklingdeformation mechanism and progressive failure process of Bawang Mountain high steep slope were studied. Thereliability of the numerical method was verified by the comparison of theoretical calculation and field measurement data. The results show that numerical manifold method can accurately simulate high and steep slopebuckling failure process by preforming interlayer and cross joints. The process of slope buckling deformation andinstability failure can be divided into minor sliding-creep deformation, interlayer dislocation-slight bending,traction by slope toe-sharp uplift, accelerated sliding-landslide formation. Under the long-term action of selfweight, the evolution of slope buckling from formation to landslide is a progressive failure process, whichmainly contains three stages: slight bending deformation, intense uplift deformation and landslide formation.

Integration of RUSLE Model with Remote Sensing and GIS Tools for Soil Loss Estimation in the Kubanni Drainage Basin, Zaria, Nigeria

The prevalence of unwholesome land use practices and population pressure exacerbates soil loss which is worsening the problem of sedimentation of the Kubanni dam. This study was conducted at the Kubanni drainage basin covering a spatial area of 56.7 Km2 in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria to estimate annual soil loss using the RUSLE model. Satellite images of Landsat OLI for December 2014, 2016, 2018, February, July and November 2022;soil data, rainfall data from 2010 to 2022, and DEM of 30-meter resolution were utilized for the study. All factors of the RUSLE model were calculated for the basin using assembled data. The erosivity (R-factor) was discovered to be 553.437 MJ∙mm∙ha−1∙h−1∙yr−1. The average erodibility (K-factor) value was 0.1 Mg∙h∙h∙ha−1∙MJ−1∙mm−1∙yr−1. The Slope Length and Steepness factor (LS-factor) in the basin ranged between 0% and 13.47%. The Crop Management Factor (C-factor) values were obtained from a rescaling of the NDVI values derived for the study area and ranged from 0.26 to 0.55. Support practice (P-factors) were computed from the prevalent tillage practice in the basin and ranged from 0.27 to 0.40. The soil loss amount for the Kubanni basin was found to be 28441.482 tons∙ha−1∙yr−1, while the annual soil loss for the entire Kubanni drainage basin was found to be 49780.257 tons∙yr−1. The study has demonstrated the viability of coupling RUSLE model and Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques for the estimation of soil loss in the Kubanni drainage basin.

基于GEO-Slope方法的危岩体边坡稳定性研究

水能资源富集的西部地区,深切河谷高陡岸坡稳定性问题严重制约了水电建设项目的顺利进行。锦屏一级水电站的高陡边坡稳定性问题十分突出,其左岸1#危岩体边坡即为典型案例之一。1#危岩体边坡为缆机平台边坡,其稳定与否直接关系到缆机平台的顺利开挖。本文运用GEO-Slope方法对其进行了稳定性研究,结果表明,其潜在失稳范围的后缘边界为黄斑岩脉X,底边界为f_(LL2)断层。开挖后该范围块体基本处于极限平衡状态,再加上施工扰动,基本不能自稳,因此建议在开挖前采取相应的支护措施。

基于GEO-Slope/W的土质高边坡稳定性分析

GEO-Slope/W软件可综合考虑地下水、土体裂缝、坡顶堆载等因素,能够对复杂土层、任意滑动面形状及多种孔隙水压力状况建立二维计算模型分析边坡的稳定性.本文以河南航空港区某一老旧办公区域的土质高边坡为例,通过对任意形状滑动面的计算假设,设定滑动坡面为自由边界、底部为固定约束边界、四周为自由边界来建立滑坡计算模型,选取两个典型边坡剖面,分析其在自然状态和饱和状态下的最危险滑动面、对应滑动圆心以及相应的最小稳定安全系数.结果表明：边坡在饱和状态下的稳定系数比自然状态下的降低了0.10～0.11,验证了含水量的增加对土质边坡的稳定性影响较大的结论;模拟分析得典型坡面的最大稳定系数为0.84,远小于滑坡允许稳定系数1.2～1.3,说明该边坡处于极不稳定状态,与现场勘查情况相吻合.另外,提出采用混凝土挡墙加喷锚支护提高土体抗滑力,防止雨水对坡体的浸润破坏;或用削坡、人工植草、浆砌石防护坡脚等措施来减轻坡体荷载,保持边坡稳定。

Earthquake-induced collapse mechanism of two types of dangerous rock masses

As the economy of China develops, an increasing number of key traffic projects have been undertaken in the west of China, where there are high, steep rock slopes. The collapse of dangerous rock masses, especially following a strong earthquake, is one of common geological disasters known in rock slope engineering. Therefore, it is important to study the collapse mechanism of dangerous rock masses induced by an earthquake and the analysis approach of its stability. This study provides a simple and convenient method to determine the collapse mechanisms of two types of dangerous rock masses （i.e. cantilever and upright） associated with the definition and calculation of the safety factor, which is based on the flexure theory of a constant-section beam by combining with the maximum tensile-stress criterion to depict the process of crack propagation caused by seismic waves. The calculation results show that there are critical crack depths in each form of the dangerous rock masses. Once the accumulated depth of the crack growth during an earthquake exceeds the critical depth, the collapse will occur. It is also demonstrated that the crack extension amount of each step is not a constant value, and is closely associated with the current accumulated crack depth. The greater the cumulative crack depth, the more easily the crack propagates. Finally, the validity and applicability of the proposed method are verified through two actual engineering examples.

Key Technical Issues of TGP Permanent Shiplock

To solve the high dam navigation issue of a world class project is one of the key technical issues that bring many difficulties upon the Three Gorges Project (TGP). Special requirements exist in the TGP double lane five step shiplock in terms of a general layout of navigation structures, a sedimentation hindrance to navigation, hydraulics of the water conveyance system, treatment of high and steep slopes, the manufacture and technology of both main metal structures and mechanical and electric equipment, all of which have been resolved step by step by means of scientific tests, verification and engineering practice.

石灰石露天矿高陡边坡稳定性计算分析

以西南某石灰石矿高陡边坡为研究对象,根据矿山边坡现状、边坡岩体结构和结构面发育特征因素对“现状边坡”和“终了边坡”进行地质分区,通过岩石室内物理力学试验获得坡体岩石物理力学参数,采用GSI法计算边坡岩体内摩擦角、粘聚力、变形模量和泊松比等参数,评估边坡地质强度特性,采用Morgenstern-Price极限平衡法分三种荷载工况分别计算“现状边坡”和“终了边坡”各分区稳定性系数。经分析,该石灰石矿各地质分区“现状边坡”和“终了边坡”稳定性好,采场边坡参数设计合理,可为矿山扩产安全设施设计和安全生产提供参考。