doi:10.3850/GI129

ABSTRACT

Murree, a sub district of Punjab, Pakistan is at an elevation of almost 2278 meters and is the only well established hill resort in the country. The area is well linked to the rest of the country with roads passing close to the valley heads, where slopes are steep and bedrock is often either exposed or under a thin colluvium cover. Significant road construction in this area took place during the mid nineteenth century but, despite continued efforts in terms of maintenance and rehabilitation, almost all the roads are now facing instabilities at numerous locations due to severe geo-environmental conditions and over steep slopes. Landslides occur during every season, resulting in frequent road closures and are generally remediated using standard methods developed through experience. A study of the remedial techniques currently used to stabilize slopes was carried out during 2008 by a quasi Government organization. Based on this study various improved stabilization techniques were proposed and subsequently adopted. It has been observed that construction of properly designed retaining structures, drainage and particularly vegetation has proved to be a major factor in ground improvement. In addition recommendations were made for the improved management of risk on the major routes. This paper summarizes the proposed designs, their implementation on site and the stability of the existing structures.

Keywords: Landslide; retaining walls; slopes.

© 2010 by Geotechnical Society of Singapore (GeoSS)