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Considerable expertise has been built up in dealing with landslides and slope stability problems. These range from small a scale slip on the historic ramparts at Gosport, to controlling development on the largest inhabited landslide in Europe, at Ventnor.

Proper investigation of any slope that has, or may fail, is vital. Full topographic surveys are carried out that extend over the whole slope, not just the affected area; followed by a desk study and borehole investigation, that allows the insitu geology to be reconstructed. Inclinometers are installed to measure the movement and to pinpoint the depth of the slip plane and piezometers installed to measure the pore water pressure within the slope.

Analyses are carried out using programs written in house or using ‘Flac’ a sophisticated finite difference program that can cater for large strain displacements and coupled groundwater/mechanical analyses.

Rectification measures used, include the use of ground anchors, contiguous piles, soil nails, drainage and regrading of the slope. In many cases the slide may be very large compared to the site and slow moving, if so, it may be posible to design the structure to withstand the movement that may occur over its expected lifetime.

The control of development on unstable slopes is a pertinent concern for Planning Authorities and we have been instrumental in formulating policy on this for the ‘Isle of Wight Council’ and are currently responsible for vetting all planning applications where slope stability may be an issue.

We also provide a speclist service to other consultants in the preparation of stability reports to PPG14.

All media is ® to Malcolm Woodruff Ltd and may not be used elsewhere.

Photos:

Top left: The Bastion No.1, Gosport.
Top right: Polished Slip Plane in core, Cowes.

Left column:
Cliff Stabilisation, Bembridge.
Slope Regrading, Wheelers Bay.
Slope Stabilised by Soil Nails, Wheelers Bay.
 

Right column:
Landslide, Cowes.
Landslide, Crowhurst.
House Affected by Landslide, Luccombe.