ABSTRACT
Soil slope failures are common occurrences globally and usually occur after prolonged rainfall events, which lead to the reduction of soil strength. Slope failures can take place gradually, or can happen without any warning. Selecting a factor of safety for a typical slope design depends on many factors, including the level and accuracy of soil data, the experience of the design engineer and the contractor, the level of construction monitoring, and the consequence of slope failure. Shallow slope failure refers to surficial slope instabilities along highway cuts, fill slopes and embankments. Shallow slope failures generally do not constitute a hazard to human life or cause major damage. As slope failure is a common occurrence in Texas due to extreme weather conditions, it is important to utilise a slope stabilisation method that is cost-effective, as well as one that requires less maintenance after installation. Mechanical stabilisation techniques utilise rock, gabion baskets, concrete, geosynthetics and steel pins to reinforce slopes.
