Abstract :
The northern areas of Pakistan face severe slope instability problems that are governed by the ground topography, geological conditions and presence of problematic clays thereby triggering landslides. The primary reasons of such calamities include intensive rainfall and/or tectonic activity. This paper presents recent case study of failed slope embankment near Havelian in the south- west of Abbottabad district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The soil sample retrieved from the site is subjected to multitude of geotechnical tests before and after stabilization using ceramic dust at the prescribed percentages of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% by weight. Limit equilibrium analysis is performed on one of the failed slope sections using Slide v 6.0 by incorporating the actual and the modified shear strength parameters. Finally from the stand point of economy-cum-stability, it is concluded that the blending up to 40% ceramic dust by weight yields significant increase in Factor of Safety (FOS) and improved compressive strength, shear strength parameters, Atterberg’s Limits and the compaction characteristics.
Keyword :
Slope Embankment, Havelian, Ceramic Dust, Factor of Safety (FOS).