Applied Engineering Geology Methods for Exemplar Infrastructure Projects in Malopolskie and Podkarpackie Provinces

Abstract

More than 90 % of landslides in Poland in number of 35,000 is located in the Malopolskie and Podkarpackie provinces. They are causing serious economic loses every year. In 2010, these reached 2.9 bln EUR during the flood in southern Poland. The research was connected with EU financed projects for road reconstructions. The mass movements size of 0.4–2.2 mln m³ had low rates of displacement from few mm to over 5 cm a year. Colluviums built from saturated flysch soil–rock mixtures required usage of specific multidisciplinary engineering geology methods. Ground conditions were difficult for in situ and laboratory test. The investigation methods included high quality core sampling, GPR scanning, laboratory index, IL oedometer, triaxial and direct shear tests. Mapping by GPS-RTK method was employed for actualization of landslide morphology. Inclinometer and piezometer monitoring measurements were performed by the period of over 6 years. The new real-time early warning system the first of its kind in Poland was installed in 2010 in Beskid Niski Mountains. Obtained data provided parameters for LEM and FEM slope stability analysis. It allowed control of landslide behavior before, during and after stabilization works. The research proved that chosen investigation methods helped in remediation works. The results of the study reveal that large flysch landslides were difficult for counteraction and remediation methods should be considered very carefully. Comprehensive monitoring and modelling before the counteraction stage could lead to a better recognition of landslide remediation possibilities and early warning.