Abstract:
Steep Slope Remediation
Insights into the good the bad and the ugly
    Steep slope remediation is a challenge.  A challenge for those tasked with characterizing the issue, a challenge for those designing solutions and a challenge for those constructing those solutions. As always, these challenges can be reduced through good planning and collaboration. The growth and wide acceptance of rope access techniques since the early 80’s and the development of new materials has let to an increase in the type, scope and scale of steep slope remediation projects that are both practically and financially possible.
Global warming and changing precipitation patterns are resulting in more extreme events that exacerbate slope stability issues. Winter 2022/23 in the western states brough damaging deluges resulting in a significant increase in landslides, rockfalls.  These events often need to be dealt with expediently to maintain transportation routes or to enable re-opening of damaged structures. These are often “emergency†projects, but the emergency, and reduced timeframe for completion, should not mean sub-standard investigation, design or construction.  Collaboration of parties during all phases of the project and an understanding of the challenges and limitations of each party, can lead to substantial benefits for the project overall and reduce costs, schedule overruns and contractual conflicts.
DRS Engineering specializes in the design of steep slope remediation systems which predominantly include mesh drapery systems, pinned mesh systems and rockfall barriers. Through the use of example projects, this presentation provides insights into the challenges associated with the characterization, design and construction of these types of projects and offers opinions on the methodologies and approaches that can be implemented to mitigate these challenges and ensure safe and efficient project completion.
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