Slope instability and the construction of secondary roads across glaciolacustrine sediments : Morice River Valley, west central British Columbia
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Date
1998
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University of New Brunswick
Abstract
Glaciation in the coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia has left glaciolacustrine
deposits in many valleys. This report investigates a section of road in northwestern British
Columbia that is unstable due to the presence of glaciolacustrine soils. Glaciolacustrine
soils are deposited during the existence of glacial lakes. The deposits consist of fine grained
silt and clay, and they are recognized by their varved structure. Combined with high pore
water pressure, and steep slopes, glaciolacustrine soils create slope stability problems.
The study section of road is located in the Morice River Valley. In the past, attempts at
controlling slope failures have had varied success in this region. In the sites studied in this
report, groundwater patterns seem to be the largest contributor to slope instability in
glaciolacustrine deposits. The most successful remediation designs have dealt with the local
groundwater patterns that create high pore water pressure seen in these deposits.
The report presents varied options for controlling slope movement in the area. The designs
included range from complete relocation of the route to more stable terrain, to minor yearly
maintenance. The report concludes by presenting further investigations that should be
completed prior to deciding on any final design for the area.