ASSESSMENT OF BLOCK SLIDE POTENTIAL ALONG A SEGMENT OF I-40 NEAR THE NORTH CAROLINA-TENNESSEE BORDER USING GIS

A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) of geologic data is used to assess future block slide failure locations along the Pigeon River Gorge section of Interstate 40 in Haywood County, North Carolina. This section of interstate has experienced block slides and attempts to stabilize steep slopes. This preliminary study hypothesizes that the steep slopes and bedding or foliation dipping in the same direction could indicate potential problem areas. The assessment incorporates data from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) along with strike and dip information digitized from a geologic map of the area. Geologic information and soils data are compiled in a database so that it is possible to query strike and dip, bedding and foliation, and slope of the rock to produce maps that demonstrate possible areas of block slides along this segment of Interstate 40. Preliminary results suggest that this method has potential as a first-order assessment. However, we recognized that fieldwork in targeted areas to study rock deformation and joint spacing and patterns are needed to provide an accurate assessment of hazards.