S.R. 0081 Rock Slope Stabilization, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania

A section of four lane highway in northeastern Pennsylvania constructed in the 1960’s included a significant rock cut consisting primarily of sandstone. The project excluded provisions for major rockfall when constructed, probably because the rock appeared to be competent. Over the years freeze-thaw along joints and over-break fractures reduced the integrity of the cut significantly, increasing the rock fall potential along the north bound lanes. A study was undertaken to remediate the situation. A review of available geologic literature, results of earlier core drilling, geologic mapping, and a field survey including limited rock testing were completed. A remediation treatment was devised consisting of flattening the slopes and installing passive rock nails with high strength steel mesh where sliding was found to be kinematically possible. Soil nailing of the upper, more weathered slopes was found to be necessary in some segments to keep the cut within the right of way. The project involved approximately 11,500 linear feet of rock nails and approximately 68,000 ft² of steel mesh. Approximately 13,166 linear feet of soil nails were needed for the upper slope reinforcement.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 503-522
  • Monograph Title: Proceedings of the 71st Highway Geology Symposium (HGS 2022)

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01852545
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jul 21 2022 1:39PM