Slope stability analysis of landslide zones in the part of Himalaya, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India

The current study is related to the slope stability assessment along a part of pilgrimage route (NH-154A) connecting a holy shrines of Bharmour and Manimahesh. This road section also connects with hydroelectric dams and power stations through a tunnel. The recognition of the soil slopes has been done along the road corridor, thereafter, topographical and geotechnical based investigations were carried out along the failed soil slope sections. The soil samples were collected from each selected site for geotechnical studies. In general, the slopes with an inclination angles varying from 40 degrees-80 degrees were identified in the study area. Using circular failure charts (CFC), the factor of safety values were obtained based on the requisite parameters of the slope. The current study will be helpful for mitigating unstable slopes along the highway stretch. The slope steepness, proximity to river Ravi, rainfall, and human disturbance due to road widening are major triggering factors for slope instability along NH-154A.