Anthropogenically induced instability in road cut slopes along NH-39, Manipur, North-East Indian Himalaya: Assessment and Mitigation Measures

Slope instability problems due to widening of roads are very common in mountainous terrains particularly in Indian Himalayan region. Slope instability may occur due to action of different natural as well as anthropogenic activities or through combined action of both. The present paper deals with the slope stability assessment of natural and cut slopes along the Imphal-Moreh section of NH-39 in Manipur state, India. The factor of safety (FoS) for pre- and post-excavations is evaluated, and the FoS with the mitigation measures is examined using limit equilibrium and finite element method. Construction sequences are modeled, and the stability and deformation patterns are evaluated for each construction stage. It is found that about 78% of the slopes is having an angle more than 45 degrees after cutting. The present study suggests that a FoS greater than 1.25 can be achieved by installing a 5.5 m anchor at 18 degrees with the horizontal at a spacing of 1 m. Confirmatory field tests on the anchor are also conducted to ensure the accuracy of the adopted design parameters. This study provides useful informations to researchers and practitioner about the stability assessment of slopes and potential mitigative measures. Similar schemes of mitigative measures are effective for the same/similar geologic conditions in the Indian Himalayan terrain.

Automated summary

Slope instability is a common problem in the Indian Himalayan region due to road widening. This study assesses the stability of natural and cut slopes along a specific highway section in Manipur, India. The factor of safety is evaluated using different methods and mitigation measures are examined. The findings suggest that installing anchors at specific angles and spacing can increase the factor of safety. This study provides valuable information for researchers and practitioners on slope stability assessment and mitigation measures in similar geological conditions in the Indian Himalayan terrain.