STABILIZATION OF A LARGE POTENTIAL WEDGE FAILURE ALONG INTERSTATE 40 IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, OCTOBER 2009

In October 2009, a slide of approximately 50,000 yds³ blocked all four lanes of Interstate 40 at MM 2.5 in Western NC. Geologic mapping determined that the failure was a large wedge, with a remaining 310,000 yds³ of rock, perched at the edge of stability, to be removed or stabilized. This presentation will review the design and construction process required to stabilize the mass, including: design assumptions, peer review, utilization of SWEDGE software, survey work (DTM generation and LiDAR), construction under a 60-day contract for 47,000 linear feet of anchor installation, design changes during construction and the installation of a comprehensive monitoring system. The discussion will cover most geologic and engineering aspects of the mitigation.