Characteristic Types of Slides and Alternatives for Their Stabilization

Abstract

As may be seen from the literature, there are many ways to classify landslides by types, but only a classification based on the nature of the moving subsoil can serve the purpose, especially in connection with the alternatives for slide stabilization (Varnes 1972, 1978). Geotechnical engineers know that soil as such is a two-phase or three-phase system and that in addition to the solid components, water or air play a dominating part. When confronted with a landslide, the experienced engineer will first investigate the effect of water, which may by present as pore water or ground water, or be mixed mechanically with the soil particles, causing incipient or already-progressing soil movement.