IS 14680:1999 provides comprehensive guidelines for the evaluation, prevention, and control of landslides in hill areas. It covers various landslide types, investigation methods, and a range of direct and indirect control techniques including slope reinforcement, retaining structures, excavation methods, drainage, and erosion control. This standard is essential for engineers and professionals involved in hill area development, infrastructure projects, and slope stability management to implement effective landslide mitigation measures.
Overview
IS 14680:1999 provides comprehensive guidelines for the evaluation, prevention, and control of landslides in hill areas. It covers various landslide types, investigation methods, and a range of direct and indirect control techniques including slope reinforcement, retaining structures, excavation methods, drainage, and erosion control. This standard is essential for engineers and professionals involved in hill area development, infrastructure projects, and slope stability management to implement effective landslide mitigation measures.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 14680: Scope & Key Specifications
IS 14680 addresses landslide risk management, focusing on classification, investigation, and control measures.
| Type of Movement | Material | Recommended Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Falls | Earth/Debris/Rock fall | Geotextile nailed on slope, spot bolting |
| Topples | Earth/Debris/Rock topple | Breast walls, soil nailing |
| Slides | Rotational/Translational | Slope profile alteration, earth/rock fill buttress, reinforced earth, biotechnical measures |
| Lateral Spreads | Earth/Debris/Rock spread | Check dams along gullies |
| Flows | Earth/Debris/Rock flow | Series of check dams, deep piles for creep |
| Complex | Combination types | Combined control systems |
flowchart TD
A[Landslide Types] --> B[Falls]
A --> C[Topples]
A --> D[Slides]
A --> E[Lateral Spreads]
A --> F[Flows]
A --> G[Complex]
B --> H[Control: Geotextile, Spot Bolting]
C --> I[Control: Breast Walls, Soil Nailing]
D --> J[Control: Slope Alteration, Reinforcement]
E --> K[Control: Check Dams]
F --> L[Control: Check Dams, Deep Piles]
G --> M[Control: Combined Systems]
This summary aligns with IS 14680's scope for landslide classification, investigation, and control.
IS 14680 References Summary
This standard incorporates provisions from key Indian Standards, which are integral to its application:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1498:1970 | Classification and identification of soils for general engineering purposes |
| 1892:1979 | Code of practice for subsurface investigation for foundation |
| 14458 (Part 2):1997 | Retaining wall for hill area - Guidelines: Part 2 Design of retaining/breast walls |
For foundation design in hill areas, use IS 1892 for subsurface investigation methods and IS 1498 for soil classification to ensure accurate geotechnical assessment.
flowchart LR
A[IS 14680 Standard] --> B[Soil Classification: IS 1498]
A --> C[Subsurface Investigation: IS 1892]
A --> D[Retaining Walls Design: IS 14458 Part 2]
This diagram shows the relationship between IS 14680 and its key referenced standards.
IS 14680 - Definitions (Clause 3.1) & Related References
Clause 3.1 states that all definitions relevant to hill area development engineering are as per this standard.
Engineering properties of subsoil include:
These are detailed as per IS 1498:1970 (Soil classification and identification).
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 1498:1970 | Classification and identification of soils for general engineering purposes |
| IS 1892:1979 | Code of practice for subsurface investigation for foundation |
| IS 14458 (Part 2):1997 | Retaining wall for hill area - Guidelines: Part 2 Design of retaining/breast walls |
| Property Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Index Properties | Grain size, Atterberg limits, etc. |
| Shear Parameters | Angle of internal friction (φ), Cohesion (c) |
| Compressibility | Compression index, Swelling index |
flowchart LR
A[IS 14680 Definitions] --> B[Soil Properties]
B --> C[Index Properties (IS 1498)]
B --> D[Shear Parameters (IS 1498)]
B --> E[Compressibility (IS 1498)]
A --> F[Subsurface Investigation (IS 1892)]
A --> G[Retaining Wall Design (IS 14458 Part 2)]
For detailed design and soil characterization, refer to the above IS codes as per IS 14680 Clause 3.1.
IS 14680: Landslide Classification - Key Points
| Movement Type | Material Type | Examples | Recommended Control Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falls | Soils (fine/coarse), Bedrock | Earth fall, Debris fall, Rock fall | Geotextile nailed on slope, Spot bolting |
| Topples | Soils, Bedrock | Earth topple, Debris topple, Rock topple | Breast walls, Soil nailing |
| Slides | Soils, Bedrock | Rotational (Earth slump), Translational (Earth block slide) | Slope profile alteration, Earth/rock fill buttress, Reinforced earth/rock reinforcement, Biotechnical measures |
| Lateral Spreads | Soils, Bedrock | Earth spread, Debris spread, Rock spread | Check dams along gullies |
| Flows | Soils, Bedrock | Earth flow (soil creep), Debris flow, Rock flow (deep creep) | Series of check dams, Rows of deep piles |
| Complex | Combination of above | Mixed types | Combined control systems |
graph TD
A[Landslide Types] --> B[Falls]
A --> C[Topples]
A --> D[Slides]
A --> E[Lateral Spreads]
A --> F[Flows]
A --> G[Complex]
B --> B1[Earth/Debris/Rock Fall]
C --> C1[Earth/Debris/Rock Topple]
D --> D1[Rotational/Translational Slides]
E --> E1[Earth/Debris/Rock Spread]
F --> F1[Earth/Debris/Rock Flow]
G -->
IS 14680: Investigations Required (Clause 5.1 & 5.2)
Objective: Obtain subsoil profile and soil properties up to failure plane or hard rock strata.
Investigation Methods:
Reference Standards:
| Type of Movement | Soil Type | Recommended Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Falls | Fine/Coarse Soil, Rock | Geotextile nails, spot bolting |
| Topples | Fine/Coarse Soil, Rock | Breast walls, soil nailing |
| Slides (Rotational/Translational) | Earth/Debris/Rock | Slope profile alteration, earth/rock fill buttress, reinforced earth, biotechnical measures |
| Lateral Spreads | Earth/Debris/Rock | Check dams, deep piles |
| Flows | Earth/Debris/Rock | Series of check dams, rows of deep piles |
| Complex | Combination of above | Combined control systems |
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Depth of Investigation | Up to failure plane or dense/hard rock strata |
| Tests Conducted | Static/dynamic CPT, Boreholes as per CPT results |
| Data Collected | Soil profile, classification, strength parameters |
flowchart TD
A[Start Investigation] --> B{Determine Depth}
B -->|Failure Plane| C[Conduct CPT Tests]
B -->|Hard Rock| C
C --> D[Decide Borehole Locations]
D --> E[Collect Soil Samples]
E --> F[Analyze Soil Properties]
F --> G[Design Control Measures]
Summary: IS 14680 mandates detailed soil investigation (CPT + boreholes
IS 14680: Landslide Preventive Techniques - Key Points
Effective for deep-seated landslides by reducing pore water pressure at failure plane.
| Drain Type | Description | Key Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal drains | 50 mm dia. perforated/slotted rigid PVC pipes; upper 2/3 perforated; installed at 5°-15° negative gradient; check valve fitted to prevent pipe withdrawal; geotextile shroud to prevent clogging. | Boreholes drilled at ±30° from horizontal |
| Deep trench drains | Excavated trenches <5-8 m depth; filled with 16-32 mm or 35-70 mm gravel core; wrapped in filter fabric to prevent clogging; backfilled with local soil. | High void ratio gravel; geotextile overlap |
flowchart LR
A[Pre-drilled Borehole] --> B[Insert 50mm Slotted PVC Pipe]
B --> C[Check Valve at Entry]
B --> D[Geotextile Shroud]
D --> E[Prevents Soil Entry]
C --> F[Water Drainage Out]
This concise summary aids design and implementation of landslide preventive measures per IS 14680.
IS 14680: Direct Methods for Landslide Prevention
Direct methods focus on physically stabilizing the slope. Key categories include:
Restraining Structures
Easing Pressure by Excavation
Reconstruction of Slope Using Reinforced Earth
Rock Reinforcement
| Parameter | Typical Value/Range |
|---|---|
| Soil friction angle (φ) | 25° to 35° |
| Soil cohesion (c) | 0 to 50 kPa |
| Wall friction angle | 15° to 20° |
| Factor of Safety | ≥ 1.5 for slope stability |
flowchart TD
A[Landslide Prevention] --> B[Direct Methods]
B --> B1[Restraining Structures]
B --> B2[Excavation]
B --> B3[Reinforced Earth]
B --> B4[Rock Reinforcement]
A --> C[Indirect Methods]
C --> C1[Erosion Control]
C --> C2[Drainage Improvement]
For detailed design, consult the referenced IS codes and site-specific geotechnical data.
IS 14680 - Restraining Structures: Key Points & Formulas
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1498:1970 | Soil classification for engineering |
| 1892:1979 | Subsurface investigation for foundation |
| 14458 (Part 2):1997 | Design of retaining/breast walls in hill areas |
[ F_s = \frac{c' A + W \tan \phi'}{H} ]
Where:
graph LR
A[Empty Bitumen Drum] --> B[Remove top & bottom covers]
B --> C[Arrange in two rows]
C --> D[Connect vertically & horizontally]
D --> E[Use 50x6 mm MS flats @ 2m c/c]
For detailed design, refer IS 14458 (Part 2):1997 for retaining/breast walls.
IS 14680: Excavation Methods for Landslide Control
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1498:1970 | Soil Classification |
| 1892:1979 | Subsurface Investigation |
| 14458 (Part 2):1997 | Retaining Walls for Hill Areas |
graph TD
A[Slope Top] --> B[Bench 1 (≥ 8m wide)]
B --> C[Slope Segment 1]
C --> D[Bench 2 (≥ 8m wide)]
D --> E[Slope Segment 2]
E --> F[Bench Drainage with Catch Basins]
Summary: Use benching with ≥8 m wide benches and proper drainage, flatten slopes, and adjust line/grade to improve slope stability per IS 14680 Clause 6.1.2.
IS 14680: Reconstruction of Slope Using Reinforced Earth
| Failure Mode | Formula/Check |
|---|---|
| Overturning | (\sum M_{resisting} \geq \sum M_{overturning}) |
| Sliding | (F_s = \frac{P_{resisting}}{P_{driving}} \geq 1.5) (Factor of Safety) |
| Internal shear | Check reinforcement tensile capacity and pullout resistance |
flowchart TD
A[Granular Backfill] --> B[Reinforcement Layer]
B --> C[Precast Concrete Facing]
C --> D[Stable Foundation]
D --> E[Resists Overturning, Sliding, Shear]
For detailed design, refer to IS 14680 clauses and use soil parameters for friction, cohesion, and reinforcement properties.
IS 14680 - Rock Reinforcement Key Points
Assess rock mass strength and discontinuities.
Determine anchor load capacity using:
[ P = A_s \times f_y ]
where:
Factor of Safety (FoS) usually between 1.5 to 2.5.
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 1498:1970 | Soil classification |
| 1892:1979 | Subsurface investigation |
| 14458 (Part 2):1997 | Retaining walls in hill areas |
| Parameter | Typical Values |
|---|---|
| Bolt Diameter | 20 - 32 mm |
| Length | 2 - 6 m |
| Spacing (center to center) | 1 - 3 m |
| Yield Strength (f_y) | 400 - 600 MPa |
flowchart TD
A[Unstable Rock Mass] --> B[Drill Holes]
B --> C[Insert Rock Bolts/Anchors]
C --> D[Grouting]
D --> E[Tensioning]
E --> F[Stabilized Rock Slope]
For detailed design, refer to IS 14680 clauses and related IS standards for soil and foundation investigation.
| Drain Type | Slope (Gradient) | Spacing/Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catch water drains | 1:50 to 1:33 | As per topography | Lined, interconnected |
| Road side drains | 1:20 to 1:25 | Continuous | Self-cleaning velocity, may be stepped |
| Cross drains | N/A | 4 to 6 per km | At natural water crossings |
[ \text{Volume of Emulsion} = 0.9 , \text{litres/m}^2 ]
IS 14680 – Control of Surface Water (Clause 6.1.6)
| Drain Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Angle Drain | Stone pitching or concrete slab, cut stone pitching | Narrow road shoulders, emergencies |
| Kerb & Channel | Stone pitching or concrete slab with kerb | Restricted road width, durable |
flowchart LR
Runoff --> CatchWaterDrain[Catch Water Drain]
CatchWaterDrain --> Chute[Natural Hill-side Chute]
Chute --> Cul
IS 14680 - Sub-Surface Drainage (Clause 6.1.7)
Horizontal Drains (Clause 6.1.7.1 a)
Deep Trench Drains (Clause 6.1.7.1 b)
| Parameter | Value/Specification |
|---|---|
| Pipe Diameter | 50 mm PVC perforated/slotted |
| Perforation Length | Upper 2/3rd of pipe |
| Borehole Angle | 5° to 15° negative gradient |
| Gravel Size (Trench) | 16-32 mm or 35-70 mm |
| Drain Depth (Trench) | Up to 8 m |
| Geotextile | Required to prevent clogging |
graph LR
A[Surface] --> B[Pre-drilled Borehole at 5-15°]
IS 14680 - Equipment and Accessories: Key Points
The code provides guidelines for equipment and accessories primarily related to hill area development, including trench drains and geotextile overlapping.
Overlapping of Geotextile: Must ensure continuous filtration and separation; overlaps typically range from 0.3 m to 0.5 m depending on site conditions.
Gravel and Boulder Layers: Used in trench drains for filtration and drainage; sizes and gradation should comply with drainage requirements to avoid clogging.
Cross Sections of Trench Drains:
Typical Dimensions (from Fig. 8):
| Equipment/Accessory | Specification/Use |
|---|---|
| Geotextile overlap | Minimum 0.3 m overlap |
| Gravel size | Well-graded, avoid fines |
| Boulder size | Large enough to prevent migration |
| Trench drain width | 0.3 - 0.6 m |
| Trench drain depth | Site-specific, typically 0.5 - 1.0 m |
flowchart TD
A[Surface Water] --> B[Feeder Drain]
B --> C[Collector Drain]
C --> D[Outlet]
subgraph Trench Drain Cross Section
E[Geotextile Layer]
F[Gravel Layer]
G[Boulder Layer]
end
B --> E --> F --> G --> C
Summary: Use proper geotextile overlapping, graded gravel and boulder layers, and trench drain dimensions as per IS 14680 Fig. 8 for effective hill area drainage systems.
Frequently Asked
Recommended Retaining Wall Types per IS 14680 for Different Slope Heights
Height ≤ 3 m:
Use random rubble dry stone masonry walls. Simple construction, suitable for low slopes.
Height > 3 m and up to 4 m:
Use banded mortar masonry walls with lime/cement mortar bands spaced at 3 m centers horizontally and vertically.
Important structures or higher stability needs:
Use concrete gravity retaining walls.
| Slope Height (m) | Recommended Wall Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 3 | Dry stone masonry | Simple, manual skilled work |
| 3 < h ≤ 4 | Banded mortar masonry | Bands at 3 m spacing, 0.6 m top width |
| > 4 or critical | Concrete gravity retaining walls | Expensive, foundation on bedrock, drainage required |
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This ensures slope stability while considering construction complexity and cost.
According to IS 14680 (Clause 6.1.3.3), soil nailing improves slope stability by:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Reinforcement type | Steel rods/bars in drilled holes |
| Forces resisted | Tensile, compressive, shear, bending |
| Surface treatment | Shotcrete facing |
| Soil suitability | Compact granular soils |
| Application | Near-vertical slopes, excavations |
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This composite action enhances slope stability by increasing soil strength and preventing failure.
Effective Excavation Methods for Landslide Control (IS 14680 - Clause 6.1.2):
Additional Notes:
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These methods reduce driving forces and improve slope stability effectively in hill areas.
IS 14680: Drainage Techniques to Reduce Pore Water Pressure in Slopes
To reduce pore water pressure effectively, especially in deep-seated landslides, sub-surface drainage is recommended:
Horizontal Drains
Deep Trench Drains
Other Methods
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Use these drainage systems combined with slope geometry alteration and excavation for best results.
To control erosion on landslide-prone slopes using vegetation and netting as per IS 14680:
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This integrated approach stabilizes soil, reduces erosion, and supports slope safety.
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