ABSTRACT
Global climate change has raised major concerns about the stability of natural terrains and the integrity of underground infrastructure. Regions known for their diverse topography and heavy rainfall exemplify how climate-induced changes exacerbate geotechnical challenges. Increased precipitation has led to a rise in landslide occurrences, compromising the stability of natural slopes and threatening the safety of infrastructures such as roads and tunnels by flooding. The effects of infrastructure failure extend beyond physical damage to include economic losses, societal disruption, and hindrances to emergency response and recovery efforts.
This paper investigates the impact of increased precipitation and heavy rain seasons on natural slope stability and surrounding underground infrastructures, focusing on the Mesa Grande Plateau instability case in Colombia. The case study reveals that increased precipitation rates can intensify soil erosion, soil saturation, and pore water pressure within slopes, reducing shear strength and resulting in increased instability and a higher risk of slope failure. The impact of wet-dry cycles throughout the year on the Mesa Grande slope is evaluated, revealing significant effects. Additionally, an analysis was conducted on the impact of landslides on a tunnel structure constructed within the slope. The results of the numerical analysis indicate that slope instability was caused by groundwater recharge modified by land use changes, which added additional load on the tunnel.
By analyzing the failure mechanisms and vulnerabilities observed in the case history, this work underscores the necessity of integrating climate resilience into the design and management of future infrastructures. The findings highlight the urgent need to address climate-induced geotechnical challenges and provide practical recommendations for developing infrastructure that can withstand climate variability. By incorporating these insights into the planning and management processes, engineers and planners can ensure the safety, sustainability, and resilience of future built infrastructures in regions vulnerable to climate change.
