Precision modeling of slope stability for optimal landslide risk mitigation in Ramban road cut slopes, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) India

The socioeconomic growth and development are extensively aided by the development of road networks in the Union Territory (UT): Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a Himalayan state. However, due to complex geological factors, road cut slope instability is ubiquitous in the area, leading to frequent slope failures and interruption of transportation, loss of life, environmental deterioration and economic damage. To this direction, a comprehensive investigation was undertaken using field observations and variance in geological conditions at six different locations present along the routes linking Gool town of district Ramban with other neighboring villages in the area. The study carried out kinematic analysis and employs rock mass rating (RMR), geological strength index (GSI) and slope mass rating (SMR) techniques to characterize rockmass of the selected slopes for the stability assessment. A detailed structural analysis was carried out to understand the mechanism of slope failure in the area. The kinematic analysis reveals that joint planes cross at various angles, leading to diverse possible failure mechanisms with dominantly wedge failures, accompanied by a lesser occurrence of toppling and planar failures. Furthermore, the landslide possibility index (LPI) system was also used to assess the stability. The stability of the slopes has been identified to range from stable to entirely unstable. Based on the above data sets, a landslide susceptibility map was produced to demarcate the zones of high risk in the area. In addition to assisting with existing developmental projects in the region, the present study is well-positioned to aid in the mitigation of risks. The high-risk elements were also identified, and specific mitigation strategies are recommended for those elements.