I-81, between Christiansburg and Roanoke, is susceptible to rockslides. One such slide occurred in the 1970s and rendered the interstate unusable for months, with dirt and rock piled high atop the asphalt. Recently, a new slide occurred, and the state called in GeoStabilization International® for emergency rockslide mitigation.
Teamwork makes the dream work; in this case, the dream was a lasting solution resulting in a safe and passable sector of I-81. The team, comprised of the Virginia Department of Transportation, GeoStabilization, HDR Engineering Inc., and Radford University, handled the work. Our goal was to provide emergency rockfall remediation measures while leaving the interstate open for traffic.
Winter climate, periods of heavy rainfall, and other severe weather events result in dangerous conditions for roadways cut through mountains and hills. At GeoStabilization, we pride ourselves on preventing rockslides before they occur. Our designers and geotechnical engineers are skilled in analyzing data for specific areas and developing containment plans allowing for continuous traffic flow during repair operations.
Additionally, we are mindful of our work’s impact on the environment. When offering emergency rockslide mitigation options, we combine our solutions with cost concerns and regard for the carbon footprint. Our research team developed many proprietary technologies to solve those exact issues.
Strategies for containing moving debris and protecting the traveling public in the path of a rockslide include:
Often, clients call GeoStabilization for situations where a rockfall has already occurred. We use a process called “scaling” as our primary mitigation strategy. In short, scaling refers to removing debris left on a slope, but it’s a little more complicated than getting out your old man’s rake and shovel.
Our experienced Rockfall Remediation Technicians (RRTs) provide the slope scaling. These industry-leading experts possess certifications from both S.P.R.A.T. (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) and I.R.A.T.A. (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association). As they repel down the slope face, the RRTs consider all the rock formations and implement custom scaling techniques like Manual (using hand tools like a scaling bar, airbag, or hydraulic jack), Mechanical, and Remote Scaling. In addition, should the situation call for it, our RRTs can use controlled blasting techniques to clear dangerous fixtures and prevent future rockslides.
In their past emergency rockslide mitigation efforts, the Virginia Department of Transportation had to close interstates in the wake of rockslides to excavate, remove loose debris, and install buttresses.
Though helpful in some cases, these were unusable methods at I-81 between Christiansburg and Roanoke. GeoStabilization utilized every facet of our skillset, from scaling and crane suspended rockfall barriers to excavation and rock-bolting. We provide flexible, customized solutions for emergency rockslide management. Our engineers can even adjust the plan mid-project to keep the traveling public safe and on the move.
Contact GeoStabilization International® at 855-579-0536 for our geohazard mitigation services.
If you are interested in a no-obligation site visit to determine if our services fit your geohazard mitigation needs, call us at 855-579-0536 or fill out our contact form.
