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Slope stability analysis of landslide zones in the part of Himalaya, Chamba,

Himachal Pradesh, India

Article in Environmental Earth Sciences · April 2021

DOI: 10.1007/s12665-021-09629-z

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Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-021-09629-z

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Slope stability analysis of landslide zones in the part of Himalaya,

Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India
Kanwarpreet Singh1 · Virender Kumar2

Received: 2 June 2019 / Accepted: 3 April 2021 / Published online: 14 April 2021
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2021

Abstract
The current study is related to the slope stability assessment along a part of pilgrimage route (NH-154A) connecting a holy
shrines of Bharmour and Manimahesh. This road section also connects with hydroelectric dams and power stations through
a tunnel. The recognition of the soil slopes has been done along the road corridor, thereafter, topographical and geotechnical
based investigations were carried out along the failed soil slope sections. The soil samples were collected from each selected
site for geotechnical studies. In general, the slopes with an inclination angles varying from 40°—80° were identified in the
study area. Using circular failure charts (CFC), the factor of safety values were obtained based on the requisite parameters
of the slope. The current study will be helpful for mitigating unstable slopes along the highway stretch. The slope steep-
ness, proximity to river Ravi, rainfall, and human disturbance due to road widening are major triggering factors for slope
instability along NH-154A.

Keywords Slope failure · Circular failure chart · Factor of safety · National Highway · Mitigation

Introduction analyzed through geotechnical, mineralogical, and chemical

properties of the soil forming slopes. Hence for the detailed
The landslide disaster is a well-known phenomenon that slope stability analysis, extensive field surveys including
occurs in the Himalayan terrain which is the most active geometric characteristics of the slides, geomorphology,
topographic belt worldwide. The complex tectonic settings, and geotechnical parameters are necessary to understand
steep slope profiles, higher elevation, and highly fragile ter- the mechanism of slope failure activities. During the last
rain are the main causes of the slopes instability (Anbalagan century, many geologists have dealt too with slope failure
1992; Gupta and Sah 2008). The nature of the surface on mechanisms (Bishop 1955; Janbu 1980; Hoek and Bray
the basis of weathering, drainage, and fracturing conditions 1981; Rozos et al. 2011; Wei et al. 2012) and landslide haz-
are also some factors which influence the slope stability. ard assessment (Ersoz and Topal 2018; Husain et al. 2019;
The impact of natural hazards on the transport road net- Bathrellos et al. 2017; Skilodimou et al. 2019 Jana and Matej
works and infrastructure is causing loss of life due to which 2020). 20 road cut slopes in North West Black Sea region
various authors have adopted such studies (Chousianitis of Turkey were analyzed by employing slope stability prob-
et al. 2016; Bathrellos et al. 2017; Skilodimou et al. 2019). ability classification method (SSPC). A slope mass rating
Major lifeline road stretches often get blocked due to land- method (SMR) was also adopted to identify grade of stabil-
slide activities worldwide. The landslides occurrence can be ity at each selected slope to compare the results of SSPC
(Ersoz and Topal 2018). The earthquake induced landslide
* Kanwarpreet Singh hazard in Greece is evaluated by means of a parametric time
[email protected] probabilistic approach. The derived slope strength demand
Virender Kumar maps could provide the basis for the assessment of whether
[email protected] particular slopes have a significant failure probability by
comparing the estimated strength demand with the actual
1
Department of Civil Engineering, Chandigarh University, critical acceleration values calculated from slope material
Mohali, Punjab 140413, India
properties and slope angle (Chousianitis et al. 2016).
2
Civil Engineering Department, National Institute
of Technology, H.P. 177005, Hamirpur, India

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332 Page 2 of 15 Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332

Various slope stability methods viz. analytical, limit predominantly affecting transportation and developmental
equilibrium, finite element, charts depend upon different activities on the highway. Pilgrims visiting Manimahesh
modes of failures (Hoek and Bray 1981; Chung and Fabbri temple often get stuck at NH-154A due to rainfall trig-
1999; Zhu et al. 2003; Ermini et al. 2005; Gurocak et al. gered landslide activities which sometimes leads to death.
2008; Hammouri et al. 2008; Michalowski 2010; Xu 2011; Therefore, slope stability analysis is necessary for pre and
Shen et al. 2013; Kanungo et al. 2013; Eid 2014; Sarkar post disaster management along the transport route. The
et al. 2016; Jamir et al. 2017; Dudeja et al. 2017; Kumar current study deals with detailed geotechnical investiga-
et al. 2018). However, the outcomes, and success of these tions, and assessment of the slope stability along NH-154A
methods depend upon their reliability (Bahsan et al. 2014). in Himachal Pradesh, India. The stability of the soil slope
A review of these approaches of slope stability has been sites has been analyzed using circular failure charts (CFC)
carried out by Fredlund and Krahn (1977) and Jing (2003). and based on the factor of safety calculated, the mitigation
A detailed field database related to soil and rock proper- measures were suggested which will be beneficial to various
ties, hydrogeological field conditions, and various landslide stakeholders like planners and engineers.
causative factors are the basic requirements for using these
slope stability techniques. The most of the rocks contain
clay minerals which have an important role in controlling Description of the study area
various characteristics like permeability, water saturation,
fracturing (Nara et al. 2012), shear strength (He et al. 2019), Location
and slope stability (Hoek and Bray 1981; Harp et al. 1990;
Reeuwijk 1993; Wieczorek 1996; Iverson 2000; Springman The study area lies in the Chamba district of Himachal
et al. 2013; Castro et al. 2020). Clay minerals might cause Pradesh state (India) along Chamba – Bharmour NH-154A.
permeability reduction, due to their tendency to migrate and The starting (from Chamba city) and the end coordinates
hence, plug interconnecting pore throats. Slope instability (Temple town of Bharmour city) of the selected 62 km
studies in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India have also long NH-154A are 32º33′12.24"N, 76º7′32.88"E, and
been done by various authors (Sah and Mazari 1998, 2007; 32º26′34.08"N, 76º31′58.44"E. The study area (Fig. 1) is
Anbalagan et. al. 2008; Sarkar et al. 2009, 2016; Sharma located on the toposheet numbers 52D/2, 52D/3, 52D/6,
et al. 2013; Bagri et al. 2016; Mahanta et al. 2016; Singh 52D/7, 52D/10, and 52D/11 available from Survey of India
et al. 2017; Kumar et al. 2018). The selected site, for the pre- (SOI). The route includes a tunnel also, which is located
sent study, lies in the state of Himachal Pradesh state which at Chamera III hydroelectricity dam with the coordi-
is tectonically active and often remains disrupted due to nates 32º28′15.75"N, 76º26′10.51"E and 32º28′21.70"N,
natural disasters. Unpredictable cloud bursts, heavy rainfall 76º26′24.46"E. The most common languages of the area are
triggering flashfloods, and landslides consume many lives Hindi, Bhattiyali, Dogri-Kangri, and Pahari.
every year in the state. Recently on 13th august 2017 about
48 people died during a massive landslide on Pathankot— Physiography
Mandi National Highway (NH-154) in Himachal Pradesh
(India), when 250 m road and two government buses were The Chamba region is highly mountainous with altitudes
washed away because of the debris flow. Landslides in the ranging between 609 and 6402 m. An average seasonal tem-
state of Himachal Pradesh may become active due to cloud peratures vary from 15ºC (59ºF) to 38ºC (100ºF) in summer
burst, rainfall, and seismic activities resulting into downward and to 0ºC (32ºF) to 15ºC (59ºF) in winter. The average
movement of the slope forming materials. The study area annual rainfall in the area is 785.84 mm (30.939 in). The
lies in district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India along the selected corridor passes along the banks of river Ravi from
banks of river Ravi where landslides often get initiated dur- Bharmour town towards Chamba city. The river Ravi is a
ing rainfall season affecting socio economic development of trans-boundary river passing through northwestern India and
the region. Therefore, the pre-disaster management strate- Pakistan. The major cities on this corridor are Dalhousie,
gies are needful to cope with the hazardous conditions like Dharamshala, and Pathankot. A very famous ancient Tri-
landslides. These pre-disaster studies are related to the inten- lochan Mahadev Temple is at a distance of few meters from
sive field surveys, GIS based mapping and stability analysis Lothal village landslide.
of potentially unstable slopes whereas the post disaster stud-
ies are on the basis of back analysis of unstable slopes to find Geology
out the cause of slope failure (Gupta et al. 2016).
The road corridor NH-154A often gets disturbed due to The geology of the Chamba region is the combination of
landslides during monsoon season which also affects traf- the wide range of the rock formations of age from late Pro-
fic flow. Various sites were observed as unstable which are terozoic to Triassic. The sequence of these rocks has been

13
Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332 Page 3 of 15 332

Fig. 1  Location map of study area a Map of India and Himachal Pradesh b Himachal Pradesh state and district Chamba c Selected unstable soil
slopes along NH—154A and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area

classified as lower and upper in literature. Table 1 is showing The Salkhala group has been classified into the Formations
the geological sequence of the Chamba region (Srikantia and of Chamba and Bhalai by Rattan (1973).
Bhargava 1998). The Batal Formation composed of Manjir The Bhalai Formation, Chamba Formation, Manjir For-
Conglomerate overlies Chamba Formation (Salkhala Group) mation, Batal Formation, Katarigali Formation, Mandi
in the study area. The Salkhala Group is surrounded by Vai- granites are present in the area regionally whereas along the
krita Group and Katari Gali formations in Chamba region. NH-154A, quartzites, slates, and gneiss rocks exists locally

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332 Page 4 of 15 Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332

Table 1  Geological sequences of Chamba area (Srikantia and Bhargava 1998)

Kalhel Formation (Triassic) Greyish blue, grey and yellow limestone and dolomite with interbedded grey ortho quartzite in the upper part.
Grey calcareous shale with interbeds of limestone in the basal part

Salooni Formation (Permian) Dark grey or black carbonaceous pyritous slates with thin lenticles of limestone at places. There are discontinu-
ous bands of varying thickness of amygdaloidal and massive lava flows of basaltic to andesitic composition
Unconformity
Batal Formation also called Black carbonaceous phyllite with interbeds of quartzite. Local limestone bed at the base with magnesite and scale
Katari Gali Formation of gypsum
(Terminal proterozoic)
Manjir Formation Polymictic diamictite – poorly sorted, lithologically heterogeneous, laminated or banded
Unconformity
Chamba Formation Dark grey, thinly bedded laminated slates with subordinate bands
(Salkhala Group) Meso-
proterozoic

(Fig. 2). At a few places, river born material, and conglomer- of failure was observed at Lothal village along NH-154A,
ates have also been observed. During reconnaissance, it was which is a potential danger to a hydroelectric turbine linked
observed that the selected corridor is passing through two with a penstock at a few meters distance from the current
types of geological material, namely, in-situ rocks and soil/ landslide. The rainfall triggered landslides in the study area
debris (overburden). Hilly terrain of the study area is mainly often caused road blockage along the NH-154A during every
composed of metamorphic rocks. Rocks are weathered near monsoon. Toe cutting along river Ravi may also be identified
surface as seen in the cut slopes of NH-154A. Weathered due to high discharge during rainfall.
rocky terrain is there in the field along the NH-154A. A
clear exposure can be observed on cut slopes showing well Methodology
developed discontinuities in the form of foliations and joints.
The selection of locations has been carried out in those
Field observations: slope failure characteristics areas which were observed to be potentially vulnerable due
to unstable slopes to further analyze their stability. These
Landslides along the NH-154A often becomes active dur- slopes were selected by observing slope inclination, mate-
ing rainfall from past few years. The sparsely vegetative rial characteristics, and subsurface water conditions through
and barren slopes, which are potentially unstable have been extensive field visits. Thereafter, the slope stability assess-
observed along the road section. A huge rotational type ment of the soil slope sections has been carried out using

Fig. 2  Geological formation

map of the study area

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Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332 Page 5 of 15 332

circular failure chart (CFC) to determine the factor of safety shear test as per (IS: 2720 Part 13—1986). The shearing
of the slopes. The stability analysis performed using CFC of the soil samples was done by applying normal loading
depends upon the shear strength parameters of the soil. The of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kg/cm2. These soil properties thus cal-
type of movement of landslides, nature of slope forming culated were used as the input datasets for the slope stabil-
material, and gradient of slope helped to decide type of ity assessment using CFC to determine FOS value for the
landslide. slope which can be defined as the ratio of the total resisting
During the field survey, in case of soil slopes along the force along the plane of the separation and the total mobi-
NH-154A, the failure plane taking a circular path has been lizing force initiating failure. The stability of the slope
observed which also known as rotational or circular failure. depends upon the equilibrium conditions between the
The failure plane of this type in case of soil and debris slopes forces resisting and mobilizing the sliding which should
is free to find the path of least resistance and hence tends also be equal to make FOS as unity. The slope will be more
to take a circular path. In the study area, a total of 13 soil stable in case of FOS value more than unity while slope
slope sites L1S1, L2S2, L4S3, L7S4, L8S5, L11S6, L15S7, will indicate failure if the FOS value will be less than one.
L17S8, L20S9, L21S10, L22S11, L23S12, and L28S13 By taking an assumption that the slope material is uni-
which are having potential of circular failure were selected form throughout the slope, the FOS value of the selected
for their stability evaluation (Fig. 3, Table 2). The naming circular failure slide zones has been determined using Cir-
of the selected soil slope sites has been done in terms of LS, cular Failure Charts (CFC) proposed in Hoek and Bray
showing location number L and soil slope S. These highly (1981), which is based on the varying ground water condi-
crushed and weathered slope sites are important from the tions (Fig. 4). As per Hoek and Bray (1981), the factor of
point of view of stability along the highway because they safety of the slope can be analyzed by assuming the mois-
are predominantly disturbing the road connectivity and ture percentage in the slope i.e. 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and
constructional activities in the area. A field survey was per- 100% based on the CFC charts which they have proposed.
formed for collecting geometrical and geotechnical inputs A moisture range from dry to fully saturated slope condi-
along these soil slope sections to further analyze stability in tions was prescribed in CFC charts and is numbered as
detailed manner to calculate their factor of safety. 1—5 in accordance with the saturation of water in the
The profiles of the slide zones have been prepared by slope (Hoek and Bray 1981). The selection of the circular
marking their section. Geometric dimensions of the slides failure charts depending upon the ground water conditions
have been measured with the help of 100 m tape while the which may varies as per the observed conditions of the
elevation, latitude and longitude of the slides were obtained slope in the field and for the prediction conditions. For
from Global Positioning System (GPS). The location of the each soil slope site, first three charts (1, 2, and 3) were
landslide has also been marked on the toposheet of scale selected for completely dry, 25%, and 50% moisture condi-
1:50,000 developed by Survey of India (SOI). These are the tions. During rains, the slope surface is saturated and the
soil slopes hence there is not strongly defined structural pat- sub surface seepage is much limited and the general satu-
tern on which the failure occurred thus a least resistance line ration level is on an average is less than 25%. It is appli-
is free to find in such case. cable to the most of the cases. However, in extremely high
The crown of landslide can be localized below the hill concentrated rainfall taking place over long duration, the
top in case of circular failure whereas the toe portion may percentage may go up more than 25%. At each slope sec-
get located either on or above the river bed. If the circular tion, a minimum of five disturbed soil samples from 50 cm
failure is happening through the toe of the slope, the center depth, and a few undisturbed soil samples in the form of
of the critical circle can be located using toe and head of the cores were collected for detailed laboratory testing. The
slide. Accordingly, an arch can be drawn in the profile (Hoek parameters required for CFC are namely cohesion (c), fric-
and Bray 1981). tion angle (𝜙 ), slope angle, slope height (H), and soil den-
The soil samples have been collected from the selected sity (𝛾) to determine FOS. A dimensionless ratio ΥHtan𝜙
C
has
slides from the marked sections to determine the mois- been determined based on the above parameters which can
ture content, unit weight, and shear strength parameters be marked on the outer periphery of each chart (Fig. 5).
of cohesion (c) and friction angle (𝜙) in accordance with After locating the dimensionless ratio, one should have
the procedure mentioned in the Indian standards (IS). The to follow the radial line as shown in Fig. 5 up to the cor-
water content determination was done by adopting (IS: responding value of slope inclination to determine values
2720 Part 2–1973). The dry sieve method was conducted of X and Y intercepts. The average values of cohesion and
for the grain size analysis as per (IS: 2720 Part 4–1985). friction at each site were considered to evaluate factor of
The (c) and (𝜙) values have been obtained from the direct safety along X and Y intercepts.

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332 Page 6 of 15 Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332

Fig. 3  Field photographs of the soil slope sections along NH-154A where in LS, L and S represent location number and soil slope respectively

13
 Table 2  Location of selected soil slopes
Location no. Latitude/longitude Elevation (m) Location Vegetation Cover Slope attitude Landslide dimension Approximate Historical data
volume ­(m3)

L1S1 32º31′19.4880″N, 923.54 Near to the Chamba Barren slope, Sparsely 70º/N250º About 15 m along the ~ 600 Frequently occurring land-
76º09′12.4920″E township vegetated above crown road stretch slide area during heavy
rainfall
L2S2 32º 30′29.9780″N, 998.52 Just about the NHPC Moderately vegetated 60º/N About 50 m along the ~ 5700 Mainly occurs during
76º10′19.5480″E power house road stretch heavy rainfall
L4S3 32º29′32.0100″N, 993.64 About 2 km from Rajera Sparsely vegetated with 50º/N220º About 40 m along the ~ 2900 Mainly occurs during the
Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332

76º10′28.9800″E village towards Bhar- trees above crown road stretch rains
mour
L7S4 32º28′13.8900″N, 1133.85 After crossing Kalsuin Barren slope with 80º/N160º About 15 m along the ~ 900 Mainly occurs during
76º13′23.7000″E village towards Bhar- sparsely vegetated cover road stretch heavy rainfall
mour above crown
L8S5 32º28′23.9880″N, 926.59 Near Rakh village Barren slope with 80º/N200º About 25 m along the ~ 1500 Mainly occurs during
76º13′ 52.3800″E sparsely vegetated cover road stretch heavy rainfall
above crown
L11S6 32º28′47.1480″N, 1157.63 Nearby the Chamera Barren slope with 50º/N10º About 25 m along the ~ 1375 Mainly occurs during
76º 17′ 18.8400″E power house at Mokhri sparsely vegetated cover road stretch heavy rainfall
village above crown
L15S7 32º28′21.3960″N, 1206.70 At Lothal village Barren slope 40º/N295º About 300 m along the ~ 534,000 Remained a prominent
76º18′ 15.4560″E road stretch slide zone
L17S8 32º27′46.0500″N, 1223.77 At 1 km distance from Barren slope with 80º/N345º About 15 m along the ~ 1500 Mainly occurs during
76º19′43.3180″E Dunali village towards sparsely vegetated cover road stretch heavy rainfall
Chamba above crown
L20S9 32º 27′32.6560″N, 1345.69 About 300 m before Barren slope with 50º/N50º About 22 m along the ~ 2200 Mainly occurs during
76º19′ 40.9920″E Dunali village towards sparsely vegetated cover road stretch heavy rainfall
Chamba above crown
L21S10 32º27′19.5780 ″N, 1420.36 About 240 m from Dunali Barren slope with 50º/N90º About 10 m along the ~ 610 Mainly occurs during
76º19′45.77″E village towards Chamba sparsely vegetated cover road stretch heavy rainfall
above crown
L22S11 32º27′10.3032″N, 1303.32 Near Gehra village Barren slope with mod- 50º/N105º About 15 m along the ~ 825 Mainly occurs during the
76º19′ 47.4960″E erately vegetated cover road stretch rains
above crown
L23S12 32º26′53.35″N, 1386.84 At Gehra village Barren slope 60º/N50º About 13 m along the ~ 975 Mainly occurs during
76º 19 ′53.65″E road stretch heavy rainfall
L28S13 32º27′11.820″N, 1278.02 About 4 km from Gehra Barren slope with 50º/N330º About 40 m along the ~ 5960 Mainly occurs during the
76º22′05.7780″E village towards Bhar- sparsely vegetated cover road stretch rains
mour above crown

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332 Page 8 of 15 Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332

Fig. 4  Circular failure charts

used for the assessment of slope
stability at varying ground
water condition (Hoek and Bray
1981)

Results and discussions size analysis curves (Fig. 6) conforming to IS: 2720 PART
IV-1985. The average size D50 , effective size D10 , uniform-
The varying thickness of the soil overburden from about ity coefficient ( Cu ) and coefficient of curvature ( Cc ) of
0.5 m to 10 m along NH-154A fulfill the criteria for cir- various soil samples obtained from these gradation curves
cular failure. The circular failure charts were used for the are given in Table 3.
slope stability assessment because of its simplicity, and The shear strength parameters of the soil were obtained
time-saving. The bulk unit weights (conforming IS: 2720 by applying three different normal loads of (0.5, 1.0, and
PART XXIX-1975) of various soil samples were deter- 1.5 kg/cm2 ) in a direct shear test. The outcomes in the form
mined in the laboratory. The soil of various slope sites of normal stress and shear stress were plotted to determine
was then classified as well graded sand (SW) using grain cohesion and friction as per IS: 2720 part 13 (1986) and are

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Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332 Page 9 of 15 332

given in Table 4. The FOS value for each slope section has
been determined based on the inputs as given in Table 5.

Slide description and analysis

Slope section—L1S1

This soil slope is located near Chamba Township. The road

has been cut within the debris soil overburden. On an aver-
age the height of the cut slope ranges up to 8 m. Though it
varies from 4 to 8 m. The cut slope is nearly vertical (70°).
The thickness of the overburden is high ranging from 12
to 18 m. A fresh cut slope of debris/assorted size material
consisting of silty clay matrix was observed at this location.
The slope, in general, is damp, and has a sudden change in
gradient at places. The upper slope supports a good vegeta-
tion cover of bushes and a few trees. The inclination of the
Fig. 5  Stepwise sequence in the circular failure charts to calculate upper slope is about 30°- 40°. The factor of safety evaluated
factor of safety has been given in Table 5. The FOS value showed that the
slope is just stable under 0% and 25% moisture conditions,
whereas it may become unstable when the saturation level
starts increasing.

Fig. 6  Particle size distribution 100

L1S1
curves of soil samples from 90 L2S2
selected site
80 L4S3
Percentage finer (%)

70 L7S4

L8S5
60
L11S6
50
L15S7
40 L17S8

30 L20S9

20 L21S10

L22S11
10
L23S12
0
L28S13
0.01 0.1 1 10
Particle Size (mm)

Table 3  Particle size S. No Location D10(mm) D30(mm) D60(mm) D50(mm) Cu Cc Classification

distribution analysis (IS: 2720
PART IV-1985) 1 L1S1 0.29 1.00 3.4 2.6 11.72 1.01 SW
2 L2S2 0.28 1.20 3.5 2.5 12.50 1.47 SW
3 L4S3 0.28 0.97 3.3 2.4 11.80 1.02 SW
4 L7S4 0.29 0.95 3.1 2.4 10.69 1.00 SW
5 L8S5 0.33 1.30 3.8 3.0 11.50 1.35 SW
6 L11S6 0.4 1.20 3.6 2.6 9.00 1.00 SW
7 L15S7 0.42 1.20 3.2 2.3 7.60 1.07 SW
8 L17S8 0.32 1.40 4.7 2.6 14.70 1.30 SW
9 L20S9 0.38 1.20 3.6 2.5 9.50 1.05 SW
10 L21S10 0.38 1.10 3.2 2.5 8.40 1.00 SW
11 L22S11 0.42 1.20 2.9 2.2 6.90 1.18 SW
12 L23S12 0.25 1.00 3.8 2.6 15.20 1.05 SW
13 L28S13 0.31 1.10 3.7 2.7 11.90 1.05 SW

13
332 Page 10 of 15 Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332

Table 4  Shear strength Location Sec A-A/a Sec A-A/b Sec A-A/c Sec A-A/d Sec A-A/e Average value
parameters of soil samples
collected from selected sites c (kPa) ϕ (°) c (kPa) ϕ (°) c (kPa) ϕ (°) c (kPa) ϕ (°) c (kPa) ϕ (°) c (kPa) ϕ (°)

L1S1 9.8 30 14.7 29.5 16.18 30.5 20.3 30 19.05 30.4 16.0 30.08
L2S2 20 31 21 30 19 30 18 29 22 30.2 20 30.04
L4S3 9.8 35 11.76 30.3 10.78 30.2 10.6 32 11 32.5 10.7 32
L7S4 22 31.79 21 30.11 20 29.29 22 32 25 26.9 22 30.01
L8S5 19 34.99 18 34.99 22 35.37 21 37 22 33 20.4 35.07
L11S6 10 29 10.2 32 11 29.5 11 31.5 8 33.2 10.04 31.04
L15S7 4.9 36.86 15.69 33.02 14.7 38 10.55 32.4 13 35 11.76 35.05
L17S8 38 26.9 36 26 41 25.17 40 26.2 45 26 40 26.05
L20S9 18.5 35 20 36 10.9 34.21 11 35 10 35.1 14.08 35.06
L21S10 15 30 14 30.54 12 30 16 30 18 31 15 30.30
L22S11 16 34.09 19 31.79 18 30.54 22 32 25 31.7 20 32.02
L23S12 22 31 21.5 29 15.7 31 24.5 31 26.3 33 22 31
L28S13 12.74 30.92 14.2 30.32 15 33.62 11.1 32 12 28.5 13.00 31.07

Table 5  Input parameters and factor of safety based on CFC

Location Parameters Factor of safety (CFC)
Cohesion of soil Angle of fric- Slope Inclination Height of Unit weight of Chart 1 Chart 2 Chart 3
(C) kPa tion (ϕ) slope (m) soil (KN/m3)

L1S1 16 30° 70º/N250º 8 18 1.06 1.02 0.97

L2S2 20 30° 60º/N 19 18.5 0.93 0.90 0.88
L4S3 10.78 32° 50º/N220º 14.5 18 1.036 1.000 0.915
L7S4 22 30° 80º/N160º 12 18 0.967 0.933 0.90
L8S5 20 35° 80º/N200º 12 18 1.05 1.03 0.98
L11S6 10 31° 50º/N10º 11 18.94 1.07 1.0 0.94
L15S7 11.76 35° 40º/N295º 178 18.87 1.359 0.920 0.864
L17S8 40 26° 80º/N345º 20 18 0.80 0.77 0.75
L20S9 14 35° 50º/N50º 20 18.88 1.117 1.029 0.930
L21S10 15 30° 50º/N90º 12.2 18.18 1.15 1.13 1.04
L22S11 20 32° 50º/N105º 11 18.88 1.43 1.38 1.29
L23S12 22 31° 60º/N50º 15 18.98 1.0 0.99 0.94
L28S13 13 31° 50º/N330º 29.8 18 1.05 0.951 0.830

Slope section—L2S2. Soil slope section–L4S3

This soil slope is located just about the NHPC power
house. The road has been cut within the debris soil over- This soil slope is located near about 2 km from Rajera vil-
burden. On an average the height of the cut slope ranges up lage towards Bharmour along NH-154A. The road has been
to 19 m. Though it varies from 15 to 19 m. The cut slope cut within the debris soil overburden. On an average the
is inclined at 60°-70º. This slope consists of well graded height of the cut slope ranges up to 14.5 m. The cut slope is
debris material ranging from clay to sand. The entire slope inclined at 50°. The thickness of the overburden is high rang-
is damp, and the bottom of the slope is generally wet. A ing from 11 to 19 m. The slope consists of debris material,
thin vegetation cover of bushes was observed on the slope and angular fragments of quartzite. The embedded material
surface. Since the factor of safety for the slope comes out was found along with silt sandy matrix. The upper slope is
to be less than unity (Table 5), hence it as an unstable supporting thick vegetation of trees and bushes. Rotational
slope at all the three conditions i.e. completely dry condi- debris circular failure was observed on this slope. The loose
tions, 25%, and 50% saturation conditions. debris material may fall during the rainy season. The factor

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Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332 Page 11 of 15 332

of safety value was determined equal to 1.036 and 1.0 for from 12 to 18 m. This is a completely dry and barren slope
completely dry and 25% slope saturation conditions respec- with an inclination of the upper slope about 20°–25°. The
tively, showing that slope is just stable for these conditions, upper slope supports vegetation with bushes. The slope is
whereas the slope becomes unstable at the stage of 50% showing signs of debris rotational failure. In case when the
moisture content for which FOS is 0.915 (Table 5). slope is 50% saturated, the FOS value is smaller than one,
therefore the slope is unstable in that case. The FOS value is
Soil slope section–L7S4 more than one in case of completely dry and one at 25% wet
slope conditions, and hence indicates just stable character
This soil slope is located after crossing Kalsuin village (Table 5).
towards Bharmour along NH-154A. The road has been cut
within the debris soil overburden. On an average the height Soil slope section–L15S7
of the cut slope ranges up to 12 m. Though it varies from 8 to
12 m. The cut slope is nearly vertical (80°). The thickness of This soil slope is located near Lothal village along NH-
the overburden is high ranging from 14 to 20 m. This slope is 154A. The road has been cut within the debris soil over-
alluvial cum colluvial slope. River-borne material have been burden, hence debris flow may occur in future due to excess
found at the slope surface. Rounded and angular boulders rainfall. The cut slope is inclined at 40°. A massive debris
along with the debris type of material were observed at this circular failure was observed at this slope section. This is
slope section. The upper slope supports thick vegetation in a barren slope having damp groundwater conditions. The
the form of trees and bushes. The slope surface is dry and hydroelectric features like hoses and penstocks are present
barren in nature. There are chances of occurrence of the a few meter from this site. The FOS values determined are
rotational type of failure at the current location. The factor given in (Table 5) which shows that the slope is stable with
of safety values are given in Table 5. All FOS values are less 1.359 value of FOS when it is dry, while the safety factor for
than one under all groundwater conditions. other conditions comes out to be less than one. Hence, this
landslide can become active during rainy seasons.
Soil slope section–L8S5
Soil slope section–L17S8
This soil slope is located near Rakh village along NH-
154A. The cut slope is nearly vertical 80° towards N200°. This soil slope is located at 1 km distance from Dunali vil-
On an average the height of the cut slope ranges up to 12 m. lage towards Chamba along NH-154A. The road has been
Though it varies from 8 to 12 m. The thickness of the over- cut within the debris soil overburden. On an average the
burden is high ranging from 14 to 18 m. The inclination of height of the cut slope ranges up to 20 m. Though it varies
the upper slope is 20°-30°. Assorted debris kind of material from 15 to 20 m. The cut slope is nearly vertical (80°). The
with the matrix of silty clay (60–70%) was found at the cur- thickness of the overburden is high ranging from 18 to 25 m.
rent slope. This is a well compacted dry slope which fulfills The slope consists of river born material like boulders and
the conditions of circular failure. Upper slope supports good gravels, and fulfills the criteria for a circular failure to takes
vegetation. There are chances of a rotational type of failure place. It has been observed that rock boulders start falling on
at this slope section during rainy season. The outcomes of the NH-154A due to heavy rainfall. The slope is barren and
the stability analysis revealed that the selected section of supports a few trees, grass, and bushes at the upper slope.
the slope is just stable at completely dry and 25% moisture The slope section is nearly vertical and has been found to be
condition with FOS value i.e. 1.05 at the completely dry unstable because the FOS values as mentioned in (Table 5)
slope, 1.03 at 25% saturation, and unstable at 50% saturation are less than one for all the groundwater conditions.
content with FOS value 0.98 as given in Table 5.
Soil slope section–L20S9
Soil slope section – L11S6
This soil slope is located at about 300 m before Dunali vil-
This soil slope is located nearby the Chamera power house lage towards Chamba along NH-154A. The road has been
at Mokhri village along NH-154A. The road has been cut cut within the debris soil overburden. On an average the
within the debris soil overburden. On an average the height height of the cut slope ranges up to 20 m. The cut slope is
of the cut slope ranges up to 11 m. Though it varies from inclined at 50° towards N50°. The thickness of the over-
8 to 11 m. The cut slope is inclined at 50° towards N10° burden is high ranging from 20 to 25 m. A debris kind of
while the general slope is inclined at an angle about 30° dry barren slope having overall fine-grained material with
towards N10°. The signs of erosion may be seen at the slope clayey silt was observed at this slope section. The inclina-
surface. The thickness of the overburden is high ranging tion of the section is about 50°. The upper slope is sparsely

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332 Page 12 of 15 Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332

vegetated. A few bushes were observed on the upper slope The potential of circular failure was observed on the dry
section. It has been observed that the toe wall, constructed barren soil slope consisting of broken and weathered slate
along the roadside, got damaged due to movement of the rock at the current site. The slope is supporting trees and
slope forming materials. The factor of safety values for bushes on the upper portion. The inclination of the slope is
completely dry condition and 25% groundwater conditions 60º towards N50º. The soil samples were collected from the
have been found to be greater than one, indicating that the slope section and examined in the laboratory for assessment
site slope is stable. However, the slope is unstable when the of the slope stability using CFC. The slope material which
groundwater condition is 50% for which the FOS value is fell down earlier was observed at the bottom of the slope
0.926 (Table 5) indicating that the heavy rainfall may result along the roadside. The FOS value calculated for chart 2
in the slope instability. and 3 was found to be less than one in case of 25% and 50%
moisture conditions as given in (Table 5) making the site
Soil slope section–L21S10 unstable for these groundwater conditions while the slope
is just stable at 0% moisture.
This soil slope is located at a distance of about 240 m from
Dunali village towards Chamba. The road has been cut
Soil slope section–L28S13
within the debris soil overburden. On an average the height
of the cut slope ranges up to 12 m. Though it varies from 8 to
This soil slope is located at about 4 km from Gehra village
12 m. The thickness of the overburden is high ranging from
towards Bharmour along NH-154A. The road has been cut
12 to 18 m. This slope consists of assorted debris material
within the debris soil overburden. On an average the height
including fine material (clayey silt). The slope surface has
of the cut slope ranges up to 29 m. Though it varies from 25
barren and dry strata. The inclination of the upper slope is
to 29 m. This is a barren dry slope with debris and assorted
30° towards N90°. The length of the slope is about 10 m
material. Upper slope supports thick vegetation in the form
along the road. Sparse vegetation with a few bushes and
of bushes and trees. The slope is inclined at an angle 50º
small trees has been observed on the upper slope at the site.
towards N330º. The inclination of the upper is about 15º-
The small rock fragments of slate which fell down along the
20º. When the slope is completely dry, the FOS value was
road were also observed. The FOS value calculated for each
observed to be greater than one indicating the slope to be
chart is given in Table 5. It can be concluded that the slope
stable, whereas the slope is unstable in the case of 25 and
was stable with FOS greater than one for selected ground-
50% saturation conditions as given in Table 5. This showed
water conditions.
that the movement of the slope forming materials may take
place during excessive rainfall.
Soil slope section–L22S11

This soil slope is located near Gehra village along NH-154A.

The road has been cut within the debris soil overburden. On Conclusion
an average the height of the cut slope ranges up to 11 m.
Though it varies from 7 to 11 m. The thickness of the over- The other mitigation measures as suggested in case of slope
burden is high ranging from 13 to 19 m. The rotational type section L1S1 were also suggested for the current slope."
of failure was observed on the barren and dry slope at the which is repeated eleven times; this should be avoided. One
slope section–L22S11. A few rock fragments were identi- solution is the modification and reduction of the written text.
fied on the slope surface, and along the roadside also. Upper The detailed slope stability analysis of the 13 soil slopes
slope supports thick vegetation in the form of bushes and is discussed in the present study. The detailed stability
trees. The slope is inclined at an angle 50° towards N105°. analysis of soil slope sections with thick soil/debris condi-
The inclination of the upper slope is about 10°-20°. The tions, was performed using the circular failure chart (CFC)
FOS’s were found to be greater than 1 for each selected method. The outcomes of the CFC method showed that:
charts as given in Table 5 indicating the slope to be stable
for these groundwater flow conditions. • Three soil slope sections, namely L2S2, L7S4, and
L17S8 were unstable, with a FOS’s less than 1 at com-
Soil slope section–L23S12 pletely dry conditions, while the remaining soil slope
sections were stable at dry slope conditions.
This soil slope is located at Gehra village along NH-154A. • Six slope sections namely, L2S2, L7S4, L15S7, L17S8,
The road has been cut within the debris soil overburden. On L23S12, and L28S13 had FOS’s less than one, and hence
an average the height of the cut slope ranges up to 15 m. The unstable and the remaining seven slopes were stable with
thickness of the overburden is high ranging from 14 to 20 m. their FOS greater than one at 25% moisture conditions.

13
Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332 Page 13 of 15 332

• Only, two soil slope sites L21S10 and L22S11 were con- The slope section L11S6, located nearby the Chamera
sidered as safe with FOS’s greater than one at 50% mois- power house at Mokhri village along NH-154A, is inclined
ture condition while the remaining slopes are unsafe with at 50°. The stability analysis using CFC indicated minimum
FOS’s less than one. FOS of 0.94 which showed the slope is unstable, under such
a condition, it is essential to provide stability measures for
Based on the above outcomes, the possible solutions to the cut slope taking the overall geometry of the slope as well
avoid the slope stability problems along NH-154A are men- as type of material. Since the inclination of the slope is 50°,
tioned below: hence re-profiling of the slope is not needed at this section.
The slope section L1S1, located near Chamba Township This slope section L15S7 is located near Lothal village
along NH-154A has a steep cut slope of 70°. The stability along NH-154A. The road has been cut within the debris
analysis indicated minimum FOS of 0.97 which indicates soil overburden. The cut slope is inclined at 40°. Since the
the slope is unstable, under such a condition, it is essential inclination of the slope is 40°, hence re-profiling of the slope
to provide stability measures for the cut slope taking the is not needed at this section. However, a well designed toe
overall geometry of the slope as well as type of material. Re- retaining wall of height 10 m may be provided at the toe of
profiling is an effective way of controlling slope instability in the slope to protect the slope from future instability against
case of soil slopes; hence, it is suggested at 40° along with rain and earthquake.
a bench of 3 m. A toe retaining wall has also been preferred The slope section L17S8, located at 1 km distance from
along the toe of the slope. Dunali village towards Chamba along NH-154A, has a steep
The slope section L2S2, located just about the NHPC cut slope of 80°. The stability analysis indicated FOS rang-
power house NH-154A has a cut slope inclined at 60°. The ing from 0.75 to 0.80 which showed the slope is unstable,
stability analysis indicated minimum FOS of 0.88—0.93, under such a condition, it is essential to provide stability
under such a condition, it is essential to provide stability measures for the cut slope taking the overall geometry of the
measures for the cut slope taking the overall geometry of slope as well as type of material. It is suggested to re-profile
the slope as well as type of material. It is suggested to re- the slope at 50° with two benches of 1 m at the height of 6 m
profile the slope at 50° with 2.5 m bench at the height of and 12 m from toe.
9.5 m from the toe. The soil slope L20S9 is located at about 300 m before
The slope section L4S3 is located at about 2 km distance Dunali village towards Chamba along NH-154A is inclined
from Rajera village towards Bharmour along NH-154A, is at 50°. The stability analysis indicated minimum FOS of
inclined at 50°. The stability analysis indicated minimum 0.93 which showed the slope is unstable, under such a con-
FOS of 0.91 which indicates the slope is unstable, under dition, it is essential to provide stability measures for the
such a condition, it is essential to provide stability measures cut slope taking the overall geometry of the slope as well
for the cut slope taking the overall geometry of the slope as as type of material. Though, the inclination of the slope is
well as type of material. Since the inclination of the slope is nearly 50°, but the loose strata is there at the slope surface in
50°, hence re-profiling of the slope is not needed at this sec- the form of overburden. Hence, the re-profiling of the slope
tion. However, a well designed toe retaining wall of height section is suggested. The re-profiling may be performed at
5 m may be provided at the toe of the slope to protect the an angle of 40° with a single bench of 1 m at height of
slope from future instability against rain and earthquake. 10 m height from toe. A well-designed toe retaining wall of
The soil slope L7S4 is located after crossing Kalsuin vil- height 3-4 m may also be constructed at the toe of the slopes
lage towards Bharmour along NH-154A. The cut slope is to provide support and protection to the slope from future
nearly vertical (80°). The CFC method based analysis indi- instability due to rain and earthquake.
cated FOS ranging from 0.9—0.96 which indicates the slope The slope section L21S10, located at distance of about
is unstable, under such a condition, it is essential to provide 240 m from Dunali village towards Chamba along NH-154A
stability measures for the cut slope taking the overall geom- has a cut slope of 50°. The stability analysis indicated FOS
etry of the slope as well as type of material. It is suggested ranging from 1.04—1.15 which showed the slope is just sta-
to re-profile the slope at 50° with 1 m bench in between. ble. Though, the inclination of the slope is nearly 50°, but
The slope section L8S5, located near Rakh village along the loose strata is there at the slope surface in the form of
NH-154A is nearly vertical 80° towards N200°. The stability overburden. Hence, the re-profiling of the slope section is
analysis using CFC showed minimum FOS of 0.98 which suggested. The re-profiling may be performed at an angle
indicates the slope is unstable, under such a condition, it of 40° with a single bench of 2 m at 6 m height from toe. A
is essential to provide stability measures for the cut slope well-designed toe retaining wall of height 3-4 m may also
taking the overall geometry of the slope as well as type of be constructed.
material. It is suggested to re-profile the slope at 50° with The slope section L22S11, located near Gehra along
1 m bench in between. NH-154A, has a cut slope of 40°. The stability analysis

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332 Page 14 of 15 Environmental Earth Sciences (2021) 80:332

indicated minimum FOS ranging from 1.29—1.43. Since References

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