Question

Assessment 9.0: Soil Mechanics

Produce a 300 word report which identifies the cause and effect of slips in embankments and cuttings and the affect it might have on safety of the line.

The report should include the theory behind soil mechanics – soil saturation, subsidence, inappropriate mineral extraction, overloading of embankment by neighbouring construction and subterranean fires.

Include a range of potential solutions to embankment stability risks.

1. List 5 signs that a landslip may have occurred?

2. List the potential solutions to embankment stability risk?

3. What materials that were traditionally used to construct railway embankments have the potential to cause subterranean fires?

4. What is the best way to prevent subterranean fires?

5. List 4 potential causes of subterranean fires?

Answer 1

Soil mechanics

Soil mechanics is a branch of Civil Engineering which studies the behavior and application of the soil as an engineering material.

Soil Saturation

Soil saturation is the moisture content of the soil when all the voids present in soil are filled with water. In case of well drained soil the water drains off quickly the voids are replaced by air.

Subsidence

Subsidence is common in low density soils. Settlement or sinking of the ground surface is called subsidence. Prevention of subsidence is possible by adopting ground improvement techniques to increase the density of the soil.

Inappropriate mineral extraction

Inappropriate mineral extraction has some serious impact on the environment. It can contaminate both ground water and surface water and can cause air pollution too. Hence environmental impact of mineral extraction method should be given higher importance.

Overloading of embankment by neighboring construction

​​​​​​The stability of the embankment will be recuced when the embankment is overloaded. In case of new constructions beside the embankment, embankment might sometimes be used for the storage of construction materials. This will have adverse effects on the embankment.

Subterranean fires

Subterranean fires are caused when coal under the ground is ignited. These burns causes holes in the ground which encourages water percolation and thereby reducing the soil strength.