Application Of Geological Investigations: Road Cut

ROAD CUT

Cutting Inclined to Dip and Strike:

In such cases also, the parallel to strike.

Beds strata will dip across the cutting and the slope of cutting dip into the hill Safe. will be unequal on both sides.

Hence such a condition would give rise to similar difficulties as encountered in cuts parallel to strike.

When there is no alternative to cuts either parallel to or inclined to strike (other than at right angles), special measure might become necessary to ensure stability of slopes.

Such measures would include Enlarging of the section of the cutting, particularly on the hillside face, to stable Provision of strong, adequately high retaining walls; Very efficient drainage system to effectively remove water from the affected slopes.

Joints

These influence the stability of the cuts in the same way as the bedding planes When present in great abundance, joints reduce even the hardest rock to a mass of loosely held up blocks on the side of a cut which could tumble down on slight vibrations.

Further, even if the joints are few, but are continuous and inclined towards the free side of the cut, these and inclined towards the free side of the cut, these offer potential surfaces for slips during the presence of moisture.

In major road construction programmes, therefore, jointed rocks have to be provided artificial support by breastwalls and retaining walls for ensuring stability.

Faulting generally leads to the crushing of the rock along the fault planes and shear zones.

^Faults Such a condition is, of course, very unfavourable for a cut when it happens to form upper or lower slope or even base of the cut.

It should not be left untreated in any case. These are the worst type of planes of potential failure.