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Landslide Control - Guidelines

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.

15Sections
80Clauses Indexed
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1999Edition
Hill Area Development EngineeringCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 14680 PDF, IS 14680 pdf free download, IS 14680 free download pdf, IS14680 PDF, IS-14680 PDF, IS 14680 1999 PDF, IS 14680:1999 PDF, IS 14680-1999 PDF, IS 14680 (1999) PDF, IS 14680 1999 edition PDF, IS 14680 edition 1999 PDF

What This Standard Covers

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.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Geotechnical Engineers
  • Civil Engineers
  • Slope Stability Specialists
  • Hill Area Development Planners
  • Construction Project Managers
  • Environmental Engineers
  • Infrastructure Designers in Hilly Terrain

Key Topics Covered

Landslide classification and definitions
Soil and subsoil investigation requirements
Direct landslide control methods including restraining structures
Slope reinforcement techniques such as soil nailing and reinforced earth
Excavation methods for slope stability
Surface and sub-surface drainage systems
Erosion control measures including vegetation and netting
Design and construction of retaining walls and anchored walls
Use of micro-piles and rootpiles for stabilization
Temporary restraining structures and low-cost solutions
Slope geometry alteration and benching techniques
Guidelines for equipment and accessibility in difficult terrain

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 14680: Scope & Key Specifications

IS 14680 addresses landslide risk management, focusing on classification, investigation, and control measures.

Scope Highlights:

  • Applies to landslide types and materials.
  • Covers investigation methods (e.g., static/dynamic cone penetration tests).
  • Provides control measures based on landslide classification.

Key Tables & Classifications:

Type of MovementMaterialRecommended Control Measures
FallsEarth/Debris/Rock fallGeotextile nailed on slope, spot bolting
TopplesEarth/Debris/Rock toppleBreast walls, soil nailing
SlidesRotational/TranslationalSlope profile alteration, earth/rock fill buttress, reinforced earth, biotechnical measures
Lateral SpreadsEarth/Debris/Rock spreadCheck dams along gullies
FlowsEarth/Debris/Rock flowSeries of check dams, deep piles for creep
ComplexCombination typesCombined control systems

Investigation:

  • Conduct static/dynamic cone penetration tests to failure plane or hard rock.
  • Use results to decide borehole locations and numbers.

References:

  • IS 1498: Soil classification
  • IS 1892: Subsurface investigation for foundation
  • IS 14458 (Part 2): Retaining walls in hill areas

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.

2References

IS 14680 References Summary

This standard incorporates provisions from key Indian Standards, which are integral to its application:

IS No.Title
1498:1970Classification and identification of soils for general engineering purposes
1892:1979Code of practice for subsurface investigation for foundation
14458 (Part 2):1997Retaining wall for hill area - Guidelines: Part 2 Design of retaining/breast walls

Key Notes:

  • These referenced standards provide essential guidelines on soil classification, foundation investigations, and retaining wall design.
  • Users should consult the latest editions as standards are periodically revised.
  • The technical committee composition (Annex A) includes experts from diverse fields ensuring comprehensive standard development.

Practical Tip:

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.

3Definitions

IS 14680 - Definitions (Clause 3.1) & Related References

Key Definitions:

  • Clause 3.1 states that all definitions relevant to hill area development engineering are as per this standard.

  • Engineering properties of subsoil include:

    • Index properties
    • Shear parameters
    • Compressibility characteristics

    These are detailed as per IS 1498:1970 (Soil classification and identification).

Important Referenced Standards (Table 2):

IS No.Title
IS 1498:1970Classification and identification of soils for general engineering purposes
IS 1892:1979Code of practice for subsurface investigation for foundation
IS 14458 (Part 2):1997Retaining wall for hill area - Guidelines: Part 2 Design of retaining/breast walls

Summary:

  • Use IS 1498 for soil property definitions.
  • Use IS 1892 for subsurface investigation methods.
  • Use IS 14458 (Part 2) for retaining wall design in hill areas.

Quick Reference: Soil Properties per IS 1498

Property TypeDescription
Index PropertiesGrain size, Atterberg limits, etc.
Shear ParametersAngle of internal friction (φ), Cohesion (c)
CompressibilityCompression 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.

4Landslide Classification

IS 14680: Landslide Classification - Key Points

1. Types of Landslide Movements (Clause 4, Table 1)

Movement TypeMaterial TypeExamplesRecommended Control Measures
FallsSoils (fine/coarse), BedrockEarth fall, Debris fall, Rock fallGeotextile nailed on slope, Spot bolting
TopplesSoils, BedrockEarth topple, Debris topple, Rock toppleBreast walls, Soil nailing
SlidesSoils, BedrockRotational (Earth slump), Translational (Earth block slide)Slope profile alteration, Earth/rock fill buttress, Reinforced earth/rock reinforcement, Biotechnical measures
Lateral SpreadsSoils, BedrockEarth spread, Debris spread, Rock spreadCheck dams along gullies
FlowsSoils, BedrockEarth flow (soil creep), Debris flow, Rock flow (deep creep)Series of check dams, Rows of deep piles
ComplexCombination of aboveMixed typesCombined control systems

2. Definitions

  • Toe of Surface of Rupture (Clause 3.1.11):
    Intersection between the lower part of rupture surface and original ground, may be buried.

3. Investigation Guidelines (Clause 5.2)

  • Conduct static/dynamic cone penetration tests (CPT) up to failure plane or hard rock strata.
  • CPT results guide borehole location and number.

Summary Diagram of Landslide Types and Controls

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 -->
5Investigations Required

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:

    • Conduct Static/Dynamic Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) to determine soil stratification and strength.
    • Number and location of CPTs depend on site conditions and failure plane depth.
    • Use results to decide borehole locations.
  • Reference Standards:

    • IS 1892: Code of practice for subsurface investigation for foundation.
    • IS 1498: Soil classification.
    • IS 14458 (Part 2): Design of retaining/breast walls in hill areas.

Key Table: Landslide Classification & Control Measures (Clause 4)

Type of MovementSoil TypeRecommended Control Measures
FallsFine/Coarse Soil, RockGeotextile nails, spot bolting
TopplesFine/Coarse Soil, RockBreast walls, soil nailing
Slides (Rotational/Translational)Earth/Debris/RockSlope profile alteration, earth/rock fill buttress, reinforced earth, biotechnical measures
Lateral SpreadsEarth/Debris/RockCheck dams, deep piles
FlowsEarth/Debris/RockSeries of check dams, rows of deep piles
ComplexCombination of aboveCombined control systems

Investigation Depth & Procedure Summary

ParameterDescription
Depth of InvestigationUp to failure plane or dense/hard rock strata
Tests ConductedStatic/dynamic CPT, Boreholes as per CPT results
Data CollectedSoil 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

6Landslide Preventive Techniques

IS 14680: Landslide Preventive Techniques - Key Points

1. Classification (Clause 6.1)

  • Direct Methods:
    • Restraining structures (retaining walls, anchored walls, piles)
    • Easing pressure by excavation
    • Reconstruction using reinforced earth
    • Rock reinforcement
  • Indirect Methods:
    • Erosion control
    • Surface and sub-surface drainage improvement

2. Sub-surface Drainage (Clause 6.1.7.1)

Effective for deep-seated landslides by reducing pore water pressure at failure plane.

Drain TypeDescriptionKey Specs
Horizontal drains50 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 drainsExcavated 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

3. Construction Details (Fig. 7 Summary)

  • Horizontal drain pipe: Slotted PVC, encased in geotextile.
  • Installation: Pre-drilled borehole, negative gradient.
  • Check valve: Prevents pipe sliding out.

4. Equipment

  • Must access difficult terrain, steep slopes, and heights.
  • Drilling rigs capable of angled boreholes (±30°).

Summary Diagram (Horizontal Drain Installation)

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.

6.1Direct Methods

IS 14680: Direct Methods for Landslide Prevention

Direct methods focus on physically stabilizing the slope. Key categories include:

  1. Restraining Structures

    • Retaining walls
    • Anchored walls
    • Restraining piles
  2. Easing Pressure by Excavation

    • Remove soil from the upper slope to reduce driving forces.
  3. Reconstruction of Slope Using Reinforced Earth

    • Use of geosynthetics or metallic strips to reinforce soil layers.
  4. Rock Reinforcement

    • Rock bolts, anchors, and mesh to stabilize rock slopes.

Key Specifications & Considerations:

  • Subsurface Investigation: As per IS 1892:1979, assess soil type, strength, and groundwater conditions.
  • Soil Classification: Follow IS 1498:1970 for soil identification.
  • Design of Retaining Walls: Refer IS 14458 (Part 2):1997 for hill area retaining walls.

Typical Design Parameters for Retaining Walls (Example):

ParameterTypical Value/Range
Soil friction angle (φ)25° to 35°
Soil cohesion (c)0 to 50 kPa
Wall friction angle15° 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.

6.1.1Restraining Structures

IS 14680 - Restraining Structures: Key Points & Formulas

1. Purpose & Use

  • Restraining structures control slope stability for heights ≤ 4 m.
  • Suitable for restricted spaces; often rigid retaining walls.
  • Used to stabilize dangerous slopes or landslides.

2. Types & Construction

  • Rigid Retaining Walls: Require skilled labor and expensive planking.
  • Temporary Structures:
    • Use empty bitumen drums (height ≤ 3 m).
    • Drums arranged in two rows, interconnected by MS flats/rods.
    • Example: 50 × 6 mm MS flat @ 2 m c/c spacing for connections.

3. Design References

IS No.Title
1498:1970Soil classification for engineering
1892:1979Subsurface investigation for foundation
14458 (Part 2):1997Design of retaining/breast walls in hill areas

4. Basic Stability Considerations (General)

  • Check sliding, overturning, bearing capacity.
  • Use soil parameters from IS 1498.
  • Typical design formula for factor of safety against sliding:

[ F_s = \frac{c' A + W \tan \phi'}{H} ]

Where:

  • (c') = effective cohesion,
  • (A) = base area resisting sliding,
  • (W) = weight of wall and soil,
  • (\phi') = effective angle of internal friction,
  • (H) = horizontal sliding force.

5. Example: Bitumen Drum Restraining Structure

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.

6.1.2Excavation Methods

IS 14680: Excavation Methods for Landslide Control

Key Excavation Methods (Clause 6.1.2)

  • Removal of Unstable Material: Eliminates weak soil to increase stability.
  • Slope Flattening: Reduces slope angle to decrease driving forces.
  • Benching of Slopes (6.1.2.3):
    • Slopes divided by near-horizontal benches.
    • Bench width ≥ 8 m for independent slope action.
    • Benches have V-shaped/gutter sections with drainage and catch basins.
    • Drainage ditches lined/paved to prevent erosion/percolation.
  • Change of Line or Grade (6.1.2.4):
    • Adjust slope alignment or elevation to reduce driving forces.
    • Includes partial or complete removal of unstable soil at head or toe.

Stability Enhancement Principles

  • Benching segments slope, reducing effective height and driving force.
  • Drainage on benches prevents water infiltration, a key destabilizing factor.
  • Flattening and line changes reduce slope angles and loads.

Reference Standards

IS No.Title
1498:1970Soil Classification
1892:1979Subsurface Investigation
14458 (Part 2):1997Retaining Walls for Hill Areas

Simplified Illustration of Benching

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.

6.1.3Reconstruction of Slope Using Reinforced Earth

IS 14680: Reconstruction of Slope Using Reinforced Earth

Key Components (Clause 6.1.3)

  • Backfill: Selected granular material.
  • Reinforcement: Metallic strips (6.1.3.1) or geofabric (6.1.3.2).
  • Facing: Precast concrete skin panels.

Design Principles

  • Acts as a gravity retaining structure on a stable foundation.
  • Must resist:
    • Overturning
    • Internal shear
    • Sliding at/below base

Important Specifications

  • Economical for heights > 5.0 m (Clause 5.0).
  • Use caution in seismic zones due to reduced soil-reinforcement friction.

Basic Stability Checks

Failure ModeFormula/Check
Overturning(\sum M_{resisting} \geq \sum M_{overturning})
Sliding(F_s = \frac{P_{resisting}}{P_{driving}} \geq 1.5) (Factor of Safety)
Internal shearCheck reinforcement tensile capacity and pullout resistance

Reinforcement Length (Lr)

  • Typically, (L_r = (0.7 \text{ to } 1.0) \times H) (H = height of wall)
  • Ensure sufficient embedment length beyond failure plane.

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.

6.1.4Rock Reinforcement

IS 14680 - Rock Reinforcement Key Points

Rock Reinforcement (Clause 6.1.4)

  • Used to stabilize rockslides and rockfalls by anchoring unstable rock masses.
  • Methods include rock bolts, anchors, shotcrete, and mesh.

Important Specifications:

  • Rock bolts/anchors: Typically tensioned steel bars grouted into drilled holes.
  • Length and spacing depend on rock mass quality and slope geometry.
  • Grouting ensures load transfer and corrosion protection.

Design Considerations:

  • Assess rock mass strength and discontinuities.

  • Determine anchor load capacity using:

    [ P = A_s \times f_y ]

    where:

    • (P) = design load,
    • (A_s) = cross-sectional area of bolt,
    • (f_y) = yield strength of steel.
  • Factor of Safety (FoS) usually between 1.5 to 2.5.

Related IS Codes for Reference:

IS No.Title
1498:1970Soil classification
1892:1979Subsurface investigation
14458 (Part 2):1997Retaining walls in hill areas

Summary Table: Typical Rock Bolt Parameters

ParameterTypical Values
Bolt Diameter20 - 32 mm
Length2 - 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.

6.1.5Erosion Control Measures

IS 14680: Erosion Control Measures — Key Points & Formulas

1. Slope Preparation & Vegetation

  • Seed bed preparation: Sound off tops, regrade, rake topsoil ~20 mm thick.
  • Seeding: Seeds/root slips dibbled 150-200 mm apart (row to row and plant to plant).
  • Asphalt emulsion mulch: Applied at 0.9 litre/m² (~1.0 mm thick film) to protect soil and promote vegetation.

2. Jute/Coir Netting for Slope Protection

  • Slope grading and leveling.
  • Seeding at 5 kg/acre or root slips at 150 mm spacing.
  • Coir/jute netting anchored with 150 mm iron nails.
  • Netting acts as a check dam, reducing soil erosion and nutrient loss.

3. Bally Benching

  • Terracing method to reduce slope steepness and control erosion (details in Clause 6.1.5).

4. Surface Water Control (Clause 6.1.6.1)

  • Catch water drains: Gradient 1:50 to 1:33; lined and maintained to avoid washout.
  • Road side drains: Bed slope 1:20 to 1:25; types include dry rubble masonry, angle drain, kerb and channel drain.
  • Cross drains: Spaced 4-6 per km; culverts, scuppers, causeways to prevent flooding.

Typical Drain Slope & Spacing

Drain TypeSlope (Gradient)Spacing/IntervalNotes
Catch water drains1:50 to 1:33As per topographyLined, interconnected
Road side drains1:20 to 1:25ContinuousSelf-cleaning velocity, may be stepped
Cross drainsN/A4 to 6 per kmAt natural water crossings

Asphalt Emulsion Application Formula

[ \text{Volume of Emulsion} = 0.9 , \text{litres/m}^2 ]

  • Forms ~1 mm thick protective film on soil surface.

Diagram:

6.1.6Control of Surface Water

IS 14680 – Control of Surface Water (Clause 6.1.6)

Key Specifications & Formulas:

1. Catch Water (Interceptor) Drains

  • Purpose: Intercept and divert uphill run-off to protect unstable slopes.
  • Location: Carefully placed based on detailed topography.
  • Gradient:
    [ \text{Slope} = \frac{1}{50} \text{ to } \frac{1}{33} \quad (2% \text{ to } 3%) ]
  • Construction: Lined drains to avoid washout; interconnected if slide area is large.
  • Discharge: Divert water into chutes, natural drains, or culverts leading to natural watercourses.

2. Road Side Drains

  • Purpose: Drain water from road surface and hill slope below catch water drains.
  • Types: Dry rubble masonry, semi-circular saucer, rectangular, trapezoidal, angle, or kerb & channel drains.
  • Bed Slope:
    [ \text{Slope} = \frac{1}{20} \text{ to } \frac{1}{25} \quad (4% \text{ to } 5%) ]
  • Velocity Control: Use stepped drains or check walls to reduce scour.
  • Shoulder Width: 0.3 m between drain edge and hill slope.
  • Lining: Generally lined; unlined allowed on hard/stiff strata.

3. Cross Drains

  • Spacing: 4 to 6 per km depending on terrain.
  • Purpose: Prevent overloading of side drains and road flooding.
  • Structures: Culverts, scuppers, causeways, bridges at natural water crossings.

Drain Types Illustration (Fig. 3)

Drain TypeDescriptionUse Case
Angle DrainStone pitching or concrete slab, cut stone pitchingNarrow road shoulders, emergencies
Kerb & ChannelStone pitching or concrete slab with kerbRestricted road width, durable
flowchart LR
    Runoff --> CatchWaterDrain[Catch Water Drain]
    CatchWaterDrain --> Chute[Natural Hill-side Chute]
    Chute --> Cul
6.1.7Sub-Surface Drainage

IS 14680 - Sub-Surface Drainage (Clause 6.1.7)

Key Specifications & Methods

  1. Horizontal Drains (Clause 6.1.7.1 a)

    • Pipe: 50 mm diameter perforated/slotted rigid PVC.
    • Perforation: Upper 2/3rd of pipe length.
    • Installation: Boreholes drilled at 5° to 15° negative gradient.
    • Equipment: Drilling rig capable of ±30° from horizontal.
    • Anti-slip: Check valve on first pipe length.
    • Protection: Geotextile shroud to prevent clogging.
  2. Deep Trench Drains (Clause 6.1.7.1 b)

    • Depth: Effective for <5 to 8 m.
    • Core: Permeable gravel (16-32 mm or 35-70 mm).
    • Filter: Surround gravel with filter fabric/geotextile.
    • Backfill: Clean gravel up to water-bearing layer, overlapped geotextile, then local soil.

Surface Drainage (Clause 6.1.6)

  • Catch Water Drains: Gradient 1:50 to 1:33, lined, to intercept and divert surface runoff.
  • Road Side Drains: Slope 1:20 to 1:25, lined/unlined, with options: angle drain, kerb & channel drain.
  • Cross Drains: Spaced 4-6 per km, includes culverts, causeways.

Summary Table: Horizontal Drain Design Parameters

ParameterValue/Specification
Pipe Diameter50 mm PVC perforated/slotted
Perforation LengthUpper 2/3rd of pipe
Borehole Angle5° to 15° negative gradient
Gravel Size (Trench)16-32 mm or 35-70 mm
Drain Depth (Trench)Up to 8 m
GeotextileRequired to prevent clogging

Conceptual Diagram of Horizontal Drain Installation

graph LR
A[Surface] --> B[Pre-drilled Borehole at 5-15°]
7Equipment and Accessories

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.

Key Specifications:

  • 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:

    • Collector Drain: Designed to collect and convey water efficiently.
    • Feeder Drain: Feeds water into the collector drain.
  • Typical Dimensions (from Fig. 8):

    • Trench width: 0.3 m to 0.6 m
    • Depth: As per design infiltration and flow requirements.

Recommended Practice:

Equipment/AccessorySpecification/Use
Geotextile overlapMinimum 0.3 m overlap
Gravel sizeWell-graded, avoid fines
Boulder sizeLarge enough to prevent migration
Trench drain width0.3 - 0.6 m
Trench drain depthSite-specific, typically 0.5 - 1.0 m

References for Design:

  • IS 1498: Soil classification
  • IS 1892: Subsurface investigation
  • IS 14458 (Part 2): Retaining wall design in hill areas

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.

Popular Questions About IS 14680

?What are the recommended retaining wall types for different slope heights?

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.

    • Top width: 0.6 m
    • Front batter: 1 (H) : 3 (V)
    • Coping: large stones with weather slope, mortar pointed.
  • Important structures or higher stability needs:
    Use concrete gravity retaining walls.

    • Require foundation on bedrock or good soil below slip surface.
    • Design must consider stem strength, overall stability, drainage (weep holes), and protection from scour/frost.
    • Follow IS 14458 (Part 2) for detailed design.

Summary Table

Slope Height (m)Recommended Wall TypeKey Features
≤ 3Dry stone masonrySimple, manual skilled work
3 < h ≤ 4Banded mortar masonryBands at 3 m spacing, 0.6 m top width
> 4 or criticalConcrete gravity retaining wallsExpensive, foundation on bedrock, drainage required
Loading diagram...

This ensures slope stability while considering construction complexity and cost.

?How does soil nailing improve slope stability according to IS 14680?

According to IS 14680 (Clause 6.1.3.3), soil nailing improves slope stability by:

  • Installing steel rods/bars or angled sections into predrilled holes in the soil slope.
  • These elements resist tensile, compressive, shear, and bending forces, reinforcing the soil mass.
  • Combined with a shotcrete face panel, soil nailing creates a composite structure that binds the soil and improves overall strength.
  • It is particularly effective for near-vertical cuts and compact granular soils.
  • Soil nailing provides a cost-effective, neat solution for stabilizing slopes and excavations without extensive earthworks.

Summary of Soil Nailing Benefits:

AspectDescription
Reinforcement typeSteel rods/bars in drilled holes
Forces resistedTensile, compressive, shear, bending
Surface treatmentShotcrete facing
Soil suitabilityCompact granular soils
ApplicationNear-vertical slopes, excavations
Loading diagram...

This composite action enhances slope stability by increasing soil strength and preventing failure.

?What excavation methods are effective for landslide control in hill areas?

Effective Excavation Methods for Landslide Control (IS 14680 - Clause 6.1.2):

  • Removal of Unstable Materials: Excavating loose, weak soil or debris to reduce sliding mass.
  • Flattening of Slopes: Reducing slope angle to improve stability by decreasing shear stress.
  • Benching of Slopes: Creating stepped terraces to break slope length, reduce runoff velocity, and provide stability.
  • Change of Line or Grade: Realigning road or construction lines to avoid unstable zones.
  • Alteration of Slope Geometry: Modifying slope shape to achieve a more stable configuration (see Fig. 2 in IS 14680).

Additional Notes:

  • Excavation should be combined with sub-surface drainage (Clause 6.1.7.1) to reduce pore water pressure, e.g., horizontal drains, deep trench drains.
  • Equipment must be suitable for steep, difficult terrain.
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These methods reduce driving forces and improve slope stability effectively in hill areas.

?Which drainage techniques are advised to reduce pore water pressure in slopes?

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:

Key Techniques:

  • Horizontal Drains

    • 50 mm diameter perforated/slotted PVC pipes (upper 2/3 perforated).
    • Installed in pre-drilled boreholes at a negative gradient of 5°–15°.
    • Fitted with check valves to prevent pipe withdrawal.
    • Wrapped in geotextile to prevent clogging by soil particles.
  • Deep Trench Drains

    • Used where water table is <5–8 m depth.
    • Filled with permeable gravel (16-32 mm or 35-70 mm size) wrapped in filter fabric/geotextile.
    • Prevents clogging and intercepts groundwater effectively.
  • Other Methods

    • Vertical drainage wells.
    • Drainage tunnels.

Benefits:

  • Directly lowers pore water pressure at failure planes.
  • Enhances slope stability by reducing hydrostatic pressure.
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Use these drainage systems combined with slope geometry alteration and excavation for best results.

?How can erosion be controlled on landslide-prone slopes using vegetation and netting?

To control erosion on landslide-prone slopes using vegetation and netting as per IS 14680:

Vegetation Treatment

  • Prepare slope by grading and raking topsoil (~20 mm thick).
  • Sow seeds or plant root slips of local grasses spaced 150-200 mm apart.
  • Apply asphalt emulsion mulch at 0.9 litre/m² (1 mm thick) to protect seeds and retain moisture.
  • Asphalt film gradually degrades, allowing vegetation to establish a protective cover.

Jute/Coir Netting Treatment

  • Grade and level slope uniformly.
  • Seed at 5 kg/acre or plant root slips spaced 150 mm apart.
  • Spread coir/jute netting over slope.
  • Anchor net edges firmly with 150 mm iron nails.
  • Netting acts as a "check dam," preventing soil and nutrient wash-off, promoting quick vegetation growth.

Additional Measures

  • Combine with bally benching and micro-piling for slope stability.
  • Vegetation cover reduces surface erosion by binding soil and reducing runoff velocity.
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This integrated approach stabilizes soil, reduces erosion, and supports slope safety.

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