ANALYZING DEBRIS FLOW HAZARDS IN EAST TENNESSEE TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS

Various landslides, specifically debris flows, occasionally activate and reactivate in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of the Eastern United States. These debris flows, triggered by high-intensity or prolonged rainfall, are responsible for infrastructure damage, closure of transportation routes, and even fatality. The infrastructure of concern, State Route 116, running through Anderson and Morgan County in Northeastern Tennessee, has experienced damages from past debris flow events. As a result, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently repaired six areas within the route intercepted by recent debris flows. These places were remediated with buttresses, fill walls, and drainage pipes to avoid future failure. In this research, we evaluated the impact of debris flows on the route using the Unstable Slope Management Protocol. Additionally, using a GIS-based method, we investigated the terrain characteristics, bedrock geology, soils, drainage features, and rainfall to other debris flows in the study area. Finally, we prepared a debris flow susceptibility map of State Route 116 and its vicinity. Results indicate that additional sites along the route should be studied further for potential debris flow-related damage. The study will improve the proactive decisions of TDOT and justify timely monitoring, maintenance, and strategic protection of the route from slope hazards.