Analysis of safety factors for roads slopes in central Africa

Analysis of slope stability has been a challenge for researchers and engineers since the 17th century with Hooke. This paper used geometric, kinematic and seismic methods to analyse the stability of selected slopes cut into the gneiss of important roads connecting Central Africa countries, subjected to particle and block falls. The selected slopes were also studied to verify the factor on which engineers base their design. The results show that the angles are sharp and that the selected slopes are unstable, made in gneiss with a diptic state and a particle acceleration of 1.57 km/s(2), confirming that the slopes are sensitive to falling particles. This study also shows that, in a moderately active seismic zone in Central Africa, slopes cut into fractured gneiss are generally unstable and engineers must also consider FS. To make these slopes more stable, they can be plastered, trenched or cut at angles <10 degrees.

Automated summary

This study used geometric, kinematic and seismic methods to analyze the stability of slopes cut into gneiss, revealing that these slopes are generally unstable due to their sharp angles, confirming the sensitivity of the slopes to falling particles, and suggesting mitigation measures.