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.

Mechanical response of bridge piles in high-steep slopes and sensitivity study

The bridge piles located in high-steep slopes not only endure the loads from superstructure, but also the residual sliding force as well as the resistance from the slope. By introducing the Winkler foundation theory, the mechanical model of piles-soils-slopes system was established, and the equilibrium differential equations of pile were derived. Moreover, an analytic solution for identifying the model parameters was provided by means of power series method. A project with field measurement was compared with the proposed method. It is indicated that the lateral loads have great influences on the pile, the steep slope effect is indispensable, and reasonable diameter of the pile could enhance the bending ability. The internal force and displacements of pile are largely based upon the horizontal loads applied on pile, especially in upper part.

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.

Rock engineering property of the high-steep open-pit slope and its stability

According to the rock engineering property and stability of high-steep open-pitslopes, various factors were collected on the basis of rock engineering system (RSE) theory,and the interaction matrix of stability evaluation was established.Then, the stabilityevaluation index (S_p) of the slope was put forward.Ranges of the S_p value and the correspondingstable state were given on the basis of thirty-six samples.It is found that the followingrelationships exist: unstable (easy landslide): S_p<-0.20; mid-stable (may be landslide):-0.20<S_p<0.63; stable (no landslide): S_p>0.63.Finally, the stability evaluation indexwas applied on the high-steep open-pit slope of one mine.Analysis results and monitoringdata indicate that the index meets the necessity of the property of slope engineering, and ithas an important engineering purpose for landslide forecasting of high-steep slopes.

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.

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.

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.

Safety analysis and control of blasting mining area adjacent to infrastructure

Systematic analysis of influence of blasting vibration on bridges,tunnels,slopes and the mechanical relationships between each other were drawn based on the example of safety argument between blasting mining area and protected objects.The safety argument methods and technological means of controlling dangerous and harmful factors were proposed by the application of principle of risk analysis.And standard control system was established based on controlling the blasting parameters of division of blasting area.

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.

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。

高速铁路土工格栅加筋膨胀土边坡作用机制

土工格栅加筋处治是解决膨胀土边坡问题的关键技术。为深入研究格栅与膨胀土相互作用机制,依托南宁铁路改柳南线工程,开展加筋设计及格栅抗拔稳定性计算。将考虑膨胀土侧向膨胀影响及格栅反包约束作用的设计方案应用于实际工程中,并通过预埋设的监测元件,对自然降雨−蒸发气候下加筋边坡的含水率、应力、位移及格栅应变的变化特征进行长期监测。研究结果表明:在考虑侧向膨胀及格栅约束的影响下,土工格栅的抗拔稳定安全系数仍满足规范要求。基于监测数据发现,受大气环境影响,体积含水率的波动幅度由浅至深逐渐减弱;格栅应变变化趋势与土体应力变化趋势基本一致,随季节性干湿气候呈“波浪”式变化;靠近坡面土体受大气干湿循环的影响更为显著,对降雨入渗敏感,其土工格栅应变变化迅速,峰值出现时间早;格栅应变峰值远小于格栅允许拉应变,且边坡累积水平位移量较小,表明加筋边坡滑移破坏风险较低;在降雨过程中,格栅对边坡土体施加弹性约束,允许坡面发生一定程度的膨胀,释放坡体因增湿产生的膨胀势,从而避免边坡因侧向应力增大形成渐进式滑坡,体现了土工格栅加筋膨胀土边坡“以柔治胀”的作用机制。研究成果可为高速铁路膨胀土边坡的土工格栅加筋设计与施工提供理论和技术支撑。

露天矿高陡复杂边坡软弱岩层组“坐落-滑移式”破坏模式研究

边坡稳定性问题随露天矿开采的进行不断突出,而边坡软弱岩层严重影响边坡稳定性。大量工程实例显示,露天矿含软弱岩层组的高陡复杂边坡失稳模式通常为“坐落-滑移式”破坏。为明晰露天矿高陡复杂边坡软弱岩层组“坐落-滑移式”破坏模式的破坏机理,以某露天矿为例,提出一种针对露天矿含软弱岩层组高陡复杂边坡的综合分析方法。研究结果表明:采用工程地质分析、传统极限平衡方法和数值模拟分析相结合的综合分析方法,针对该类型复杂边坡可发挥不同分析方法的优势,较全面地从地质自然环境条件、定性定量方面、应力应变角度分析边坡破坏机理及模式,总结归纳出含软弱层组露天矿高陡复杂边坡“坐落-滑移式”破坏的“坐落-滑移-剪出”三段式破坏特征,为其他类似复杂边坡稳定性的分析和防治提供思路和手段。

基于无人机3D点云的高陡斜坡岩体结构特征

岩体结构控制着岩质斜坡的变形破坏模式,但传统的结构面信息调查方法存在危险性高、难度大的缺陷。为安全、高效地获取斜坡岩体结构信息,利用无人机摄影技术开展高陡岩质斜坡的测量,构建斜坡岩体的3D点云模型,识别结构面的产状、间距、迹长等岩体结构信息。对湖北秭归卡门子湾滑坡区调查验证,斜坡共发育6组优势结构面,平均间距为0.46~1.01 m,平均迹长为0.82~12.57 m;无人机3D点云获取的岩体结构信息精度满足要求,方法高效、可行;获得的岩体结构信息为斜坡岩体结构模型建立和稳定性评价等工作提供了可靠的数据基础。

基于三维激光扫描的高陡边坡勘查与支护设计

以广东清远银湖城复杂高陡边坡为依托,采用三维激光扫描技术,查明边坡的空间展布形态、优势结构面的空间分布特征,为边坡设计提供依据。基于三维激光扫描调查和边坡稳定性评价结果,对挖方土岩组合高边坡,上部土体采用“放坡+锚杆格构梁”,中下部岩体采用“削坡+马道挡石墙”的治理措施;对填方边坡,采用“强夯加固+扶壁式或重力式挡墙直立式支挡+坡率加筋土+坡面浆砌石格构梁防护相结合”的治理措施。生态修复效果良好,经济效益显著。