Phase 4 MnDOT Slope Vulnerability Assessments
Phase 4 Slope Vulnerability Assessments is a continuation of Phases 1-3 previously conducted by WSB & Associates, Inc. (WSB) and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to determine the risk of slope failure along state highways. This phase includes 16 counties located in districts 1 and 3 and the Metro. The three main components of the model are (1) identify past slope failures, (2) model the causative factors of past failures and how they vary locally, and (3) model the risk of new slope failures. The vulnerability factors and expected failure types reflect the diverse geomorphology of Northeast Minnesota. Vulnerability factors for the new study area include slope angle, curvature, relief, slope orientation (aspect), and water table depth. The preliminary model developed prior to the field visit was underestimating slope vulnerability and was not effectively capturing all historical failure types. WSB determined the solution was to re-design the historical failures model. The model was refined and led to an improved vulnerability output. Model results were ranked into four proposed risk-management categories: action recommended, further evaluation, monitoring, and no action recommended. The risk estimation process was considered preliminary; further consideration of risk tolerance and consequence definitions should be conducted. Preliminary risk results indicated that 499 management areas and 1.4% of the total area was categorized as action recommended under the proposed risk matrix. The results of this study were intended to be the first step of actions required in minimizing slope failure effects including expensive mitigation and maintenance repairs and threats to public safety.
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- Summary URL:
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Corporate Authors:
WSB & Associates, Incorporated
Golden Valley, MN United StatesMinnesota Department of Transportation
395 John Ireland Boulevard
St Paul, MN United States 55155 -
Authors:
- Holmstadt, Jen
- Bradley, Nick
- Rodgers, Nick
- Publication Date: 2021-2
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Edition: Final Report
- Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 155p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Mapping; Risk assessment; Slope failure; State highways
- Geographic Terms: Minnesota
- Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01853361
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: MN 2021-04
- Contract Numbers: (C) 1036332
- Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Jul 29 2022 9:17AM