acid test of joint technical and biological measures intest slope and gully control – impact Acid of joint stabilisation technical and biological measures in slope stabilisation and gully conAcid test of joint technical and biological measures in slope stabilisation and gully conanalysis the heavy rainstorm event august 2005 trol –of Impact analysis of the heavy rainstorm event in in August 2005 Acid test of joint technical and biological measures in slope stabilisation and gully con- trol – Impact analysis of the heavy rainstorm event in August 2005 trol – Impact analysis of the heavy rainstorm event in August 2005 Frank Graf11, Albert Böll22 Frank Graf1, Albert Böll2 Frank Graf , Albert Böll INTRODUCTION Introduction Introduction The persisting and heavy rainstorms from 20th to 22nd Introduction nd August in 2005 resulted in loss of huThe persisting and heavy rainstorms from 20th th to 22nd August in 2005 resulted in loss of human persisting lives and tremendous damage onfrom infrastructure over Switzerland. Manyinofloss the of measThe and heavy rainstorms 20 to 22 allAugust in 2005 resulted human lives and tremendous damage on infrastructure all over Switzerland. Many of the measures taken hitherto to protect againstonsuch natural hazards were stressed to Many their limits even man lives and tremendous damage infrastructure all over Switzerland. of theormeasures taken hitherto to protect against such natural hazards were stressed to their limits or even beyond duehitherto to water of thesuch soilsnatural and extreme of the torrents. This parures taken to saturation protect against hazardsdischarges were stressed to their limits or even beyond due to water saturation of the soils and extreme discharges of the torrents. This particular configuration theofpossibility to investigate the reliability of torrents. technicalThis and parbiobeyond due to water offered saturation the soils and extreme discharges of the ticular configuration offered the possibility to investigate the reliability of technical and biological configuration measures takenoffered withinthe thepossibility scope of slope stabilisation, and of gully control.and bioticular to investigate the torrent reliability technical logical measures taken within the scope of slope stabilisation, torrent and gully control. In the context of taken a jointwithin project the stabilisation, Federal Office for the logical measures thefinanced scope ofby slope torrent andEnvironment gully control.(FOEN) In the context of a joint project financed by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) thethe ancient sliding area project “Schwandrübi” Switzerland) providing joint In context of a joint financed in by Dallenwil the Federal(Central Office for the Environment (FOEN) the ancient sliding area “Schwandrübi” in Dallenwil (Central Switzerland) providing joint technical andsliding biological (Fig.1) was chosen to(Central address the following aspects: the ancient areameasures “Schwandrübi” in Dallenwil Switzerland) providing joint technical and biological measures (Fig.1) was chosen to address the following aspects: technical and biological measures (Fig.1) was chosen to address the spatial following aspects: as bax Reliability of technical supporting structures in respect of their arrangement x Reliability of technical supporting structures in respect of their spatial arrangement as basis for biological measures as well as concerning their bearing under limit stress x Reliability of technical supporting structures in respect of theircapacity spatial arrangement as basis for biological measures as well as concerning their bearing capacity under limit stress for biological measures as well as in concerning bearing under limit stress x sis Development of biological measures the coursetheir of time and capacity their performance under the x Development of biological measures in the course of time and their performance under the extreme impact x Development of biological measures in the course of time and their performance under the extreme impact impact x extreme Effects of biological measures on the stability of slopes with inclinations partially above x Effects of biological measures on the stability of slopes with inclinations partially above the critical angle frommeasures a soil mechanical point ofofview x Effects of biological on the stability slopes with inclinations partially above the critical angle from a soil mechanical point of view the critical angle from a soil mechanical point of view Fig. 1:The “Schwandrübi” area. Fig. 1:The left: “Schwandrübi” in 1974 prior toarea. the Fig. 1:The “Schwandrübi” area. left: in 1974ofprior the application jointto techleft: in 1974 prior to the application of joint technical (gabions) and techbioapplication of joint nical (gabions) biological (Alnus and incana, nical (gabions) and biological (Alnus incana, Salix purpurea, hydrological (Alnus incana, Salix purpurea, seeding) measureshydroconSalix purpurea, hydroseeding) measures conducted during 1981 and seeding) measures conducted during 1981 and 1982 and ducted during 1981 and 1982 and right: and in 2005 after the 1982 right: 2005 after heavy in rainstorm eventthe in right: in 2005 after the heavy rainstorm in Augustrainstorm event heavy event in August August Investigation area and concept of measures Investigation area and concept measures of measures investigation area andofconcept The “Schwandrübi” is aconcept steep and gully on moraine material and part of a Investigation area and of amphitheatre-like measures The “Schwandrübi” is a steep and amphitheatre-like gully on moraine material and part of a larger“Schwandrübi” catchment. Until was a steady source gully of bed of the outlet and channel The is a 1980 steep itand amphitheatre-like onload moraine material part and, of a larger catchment. Until 1980 it was a steady source of bed load of the outlet channel and, therefore, a potential danger resort “Wirzweli” above (Fig. 1) asoutlet well channel as the subjalarger catchment. Until 1980for it the wasski a steady source of bed load of the and, therefore, a potential danger for the ski resort “Wirzweli” above (Fig. 1) as well as the subjacent villages. therefore, a potential danger for the ski resort “Wirzweli” above (Fig. 1) as well as the subjacent villages. cent villages. 1 1 Scientific employee „Alpine Ecosystems“, Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) Scientific employee „Alpine Ecosystems“, Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) 1Flüelastrasse 11, CH-7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland (e-mail: [email protected]) Scientific employee „Alpine Ecosystems“, Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) 2Flüelastrasse 11, CH-7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland (e-mail: [email protected]) Team Leader11, „Mountain Torrents, Erosion and Landslides“,Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Land2Flüelastrasse CH-7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland (e-mail: [email protected]) TeamResearch Leader „Mountain Torrents, Erosion and Landslides“,Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Land2scape (WSL) Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland (e-mail: [email protected]) TeamResearch Leader „Mountain Torrents, Erosion and Landslides“,Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape (WSL) Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland (e-mail: [email protected]) scape Research (WSL) Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland (e-mail: [email protected]) – 124 – During 1981 and 1982 joint technical and biological measures had been taken on aa large scale During 1981 and 1982 joint technical and biological measures had been taken on large scale During 1981 and 1982 joint technical and biological measures had been taken on a large scale with minor follow-ups shortly after. The underlying strategy was based on several pilot surDuring 1981 and 1982 joint technical and biological measures had been taken on a large scale with minor follow-ups shortly after. The underlying strategy was based on several pilot surDuring 1981 and 1982 joint technical and biological measures had been taken on a large scale with minor follow-ups shortly after. The underlying strategy was based on several pilot surveys as thorough soil analysis, e.g. grain size distribution and determination of the angle of inwith minor follow-ups shortly after. The underlying strategy was based on several pilot surveys as thorough soil analysis, e.g. grain size distribution and determination of the angle of inwith minor follow-ups shortly after. The underlying strategy was based on several pilot surveys as thorough soil analysis, e.g. grain size distribution and determination of the angle of internal friction (ĭ') related to the porosity (n) and the dry unit weight (Ȗ), respectively. Furveys as thorough soil analysis, e.g. grain size distribution and determination of the angle of internal friction (ĭ') related to the porosity (n) and the dry unit weight (Ȗ), respectively. Furveys as thorough soil analysis, e.g. grain size distribution and determination of the angle of internal friction (ĭ') related to the porosity (n) and the dry unit weight (Ȗ), respectively. Furthermore, it was considered that the moraine material compacted by the glacial cap is in fact ternal friction (ĭ') related to the porosity (n) and the dry unit weight (Ȗ), respectively. Furthermore, it was considered that the moraine material compacted by the glacial cap is in fact ternal friction (ĭ') related to the porosity (n) and the dry unit weight (Ȗ), respectively. Furthermore, it was considered that the moraine material compacted by the glacial cap is in fact stable, however, loses solidity through weathering and the (pre-) existing inclination is not to thermore, it was considered that the moraine material compacted by the glacial cap is in fact stable, however, loses solidity through weathering and the (pre-) existing inclination is not to thermore, it was considered that the moraine material compacted by the glacial cap is in fact stable, however, loses solidity through weathering and the (pre-) existing inclination is not to be reached by biological measures, entailing lack of erosion control. The technical construcstable, however, loses solidity through weathering and the (pre-) existing inclination is not to be reached by biological measures, entailing lack of erosion control. The technical construcstable, however, loses solidity through weathering and the (pre-) existing inclination is not to be reached by biological measures, entailing lack of erosion control. The technical constructions (gabions) are necessary to reduce the inclination in the way plants are able to establish be reached by biological measures, entailing lack of erosion control. The technical constructions (gabions) are necessary to reduce the inclination in the way plants are able to establish be reached by the biological measures, entailing lackterm. of erosion control. Therelevant technical constructions (gabions) are necessary to reduce the inclination in the way plants are able to establish and guarantee surface protection in the long The critical angle for the spations (gabions) are necessary to reduce the inclination in the way plants are able to establish and guarantee the surface protection in the long term. The critical angle relevant for the spations (gabions) are necessary to reduce the inclination in the way plants are able to establish and guarantee the surface protection in the long term. The critical angle relevant for the spatial arrangement of the gabions was based on the angle of internal friction (ĭ') determined on and guarantee the surface protection in the long term. The critical angle relevant for the spatial arrangement of the gabions was based on the angle of internal friction (ĭ') determined on and guarantee the surface protection in the long term. The critical angle relevant for the spatial arrangement of the gabions was based on the angle of internal friction (ĭ') determined on the loose moraine soil material. tial arrangement of the gabions was based on the angle of internal friction (ĭ') determined on the loose moraine soil material. tial arrangement of the gabions was based on the angle of internal friction (ĭ') determined on the loose moraine soil material. the loose moraine soil material. the loose moraine soil material. Technical supporting structures Technical supporting structures Technical supporting structures Technical supporting structures Basically, the spatial arrangement of the gabions was in accordance with the theoretical Technical supporting structures Basically, the spatial arrangement of the gabions was in accordance with the theoretical Technical supporting structures Basically, the spatial arrangement of the gabions was in accordance with the theoretical guidelines. However, it was not possible to meet the soil mechanical criterion of inclination Basically, the spatial arrangement of the gabions was in accordance with the theoretical guidelines. However, it was not possible to meet the soil mechanical criterion of inclination Basically, the spatial arrangement of the gabions was in accordance with the theoretical guidelines. However, it was not possible to meet the soil mechanical criterion of inclination between the constructions in all cases. Additionally, some steep ridges as well as the precipiguidelines. However, it was not possible to meet the soil mechanical criterion of inclination between the constructions in all cases. Additionally, some steep ridges as well as the precipiguidelines. However, it was not possible to meet the soil mechanical criterion of inclination between the constructions in all cases. Additionally, some steep ridges as well as the precipitous zone of the failure edge could not been flattened (Fig. 1). Regardless of the extreme imbetween the constructions in all cases. Additionally, some steep ridges as well as the precipitous zone of the failure edge could not been flattened (Fig. 1). Regardless of the extreme imbetween the constructions in all cases. Additionally, some steep ridges as well as the precipitous zone of the failure edge could not been flattened (Fig. 1). Regardless of the extreme impact during the rainstorm (~100-year event), no serious damage occurred neither on the tous zone of the failure edge could not been flattened (Fig. 1). Regardless of the extreme impact during the rainstorm (~100-year event), no serious damage occurred neither on the tous zone of the failure edge could not been flattened (Fig. 1). Regardless of the extreme impact during the rainstorm (~100-year event), no serious damage occurred neither on the roughly 25-year old gabions nor on the torrent control structures. The recalculated peak dispact during the rainstorm (~100-year event), no serious damage occurred neither on the roughly 25-year old gabions nor on the torrent control structures. The recalculated peak dis3 event), -1 pact during the rainstorm (~100-year no serious damage occurred neither on the roughly 25-year old gabions nor on the torrent control structures. The recalculated peak discharge in the outlet channel was ~60 m superimposed by high bed load transport. 3s-1 roughly 25-year old gabions nor on the torrent control structures. The recalculated peak discharge in the outlet channel was ~60 m s superimposed by high bed load transport. 3 -1 roughly 25-year oldchannel gabionswas nor~60 on the torrent control structures. The recalculated charge in the outlet m superimposed by high bed load transport. peak dis3s-1 charge in the outlet channel was ~60 m 3s-1 superimposed by high bed load transport. charge in the outlet channel was ~60 m s superimposed by high bed load transport. Development and reliability of plants Development and reliability of plants DEVELOPMENT AND REliability of plants Development and reliability of plants The development of the biological measures that consisted of cuttings of Salix purpurea and Development and reliability of plants The development of the biological measures that consisted of cuttings of Salix purpurea and Development and reliability of plants The development of the biological measures that consisted of cuttings of Salix purpurea and rooted plantlets of Alnus incana combined with a conventional seed mixture (hydro-seeding) The development of the biological measures that consisted of cuttings of Salix purpurea and rooted plantlets of Alnus incana combined with aa consisted conventional seed mixture (hydro-seeding) The development of the biological measures that of cuttings of Salix purpurea and rooted plantlets of Alnus incana combined with conventional seed mixture (hydro-seeding) was most satisfactory (Fig. 1 right). The natural re-establishment of Salix appendiculata –– rooted plantlets of Alnus incana combined with aa conventional seed mixture (hydro-seeding) was most satisfactory (Fig. 1 right). The natural re-establishment of Salix appendiculata rooted plantlets of Alnus incana combined with conventional seed mixture (hydro-seeding) was most satisfactory (Fig. 1 right). The natural re-establishment of Salix appendiculata –– rarely used in eco-engineering due to the low vegetative reproduction – reveals the underestiwas most satisfactory (Fig. 1 right). The natural re-establishment of Salix appendiculata rarely used in eco-engineering due to the low vegetative reproduction – reveals the underestiwas most satisfactory (Fig. 1 right). The natural re-establishment of Salix appendiculata – rarely used in eco-engineering due to the low vegetative reproduction – reveals the underestimated potential of this species. The rainstorm left hardly any destructive marks neither on the rarely used in eco-engineering due to the low vegetative reproduction – reveals the underestimated potential of this species. The rainstorm left hardly any destructive marks neither on the rarely used in eco-engineering due to the low vegetative reproduction – reveals the underestimated potential of this species. The rainstorm left hardly any destructive marks neither on the vegetation nor on the soil surface. Root excavations in the field and laboratory investigations mated potential of this species. The rainstorm left hardly any destructive marks neither on the vegetation nor on the soil surface. Root excavations in the field and laboratory investigations mated potential of this species. The rainstorm left hardly any destructive marks neither on the vegetation nor on the soil surface. Root excavations in the field and laboratory investigations confirm a high rooting degree. Furthermore, plant association analysis yielded in considerable vegetation nor on the soil surface. Root excavations in the field and laboratory investigations confirm a high rooting degree. Furthermore, plant association analysis yielded in considerable vegetation nora on the soil surface. Root excavations in the field and laboratory investigations confirm aaand high rooting degree. Furthermore, plant association analysis yielded in considerable diversity species composition close to natural succession stages. confirm high rooting degree. Furthermore, plant association analysis yielded in considerable diversity and a species composition close to natural succession stages. confirm a high rooting degree. Furthermore, plant association analysis yielded in considerable diversity and a species composition close to natural succession stages. diversity and a species composition close to natural succession stages. diversity and a species composition close to natural succession stages. Quantification of biological effects on soil stability Quantification of biological effects on soil stability Quantification of biological effects on soil stability quantification of biological effects on soil stability The stability of the “Schwandrübi” was not affected during the heavy rainstorm although Quantification of biological effects on soil stability The stability of the “Schwandrübi” was not affected during the heavy rainstorm although Quantification of biological effects on soil stability The stability of the “Schwandrübi” was not affected during the heavy rainstorm although some of the sections between the technical structures were too steep compared to the proThe stability of the “Schwandrübi” was not affected during the heavy rainstorm although some of the sections between the technical structures were too steep compared to the proThe stability of the “Schwandrübi” was not affected during the heavy rainstorm although some of the sections between the technical structures were too steep compared to the proposed tolerable inclination. A new approach based on the experience of the “Schwandrübisome of the sections between the technical structures were too steep compared to the proposed tolerable inclination. A new approach based on the experience of the “Schwandrübisome of the sections between the technical structures were too steep compared to the proposed tolerable inclination. A new approach based on the experience of the “Schwandrübiproject” offers the first time to explain this phenomenon with biological effects on soil stabilposed tolerable inclination. A new approach based on the experience of the “Schwandrübiproject” offers the first time to explain this phenomenon with biological effects on soil stabilposed tolerable inclination. A new approach based on the experience of the “Schwandrübiproject” offers the first time to explain this phenomenon with biological effects on soil stability. Previously conducted laboratory experiments were validated with field based investigaproject” offers the first time to explain this phenomenon with biological effects on soil stability. Previously conducted laboratory experiments were validated with field based investigaproject” offers the first time to explain this phenomenon with biological effects on soil stability. Previously conducted laboratory experiments were validated with field based investigations conducted in 2006 and confirmed the higher soil stability due to mycorrhizal fungi and ity. Previously conducted laboratory experiments were validated with field based investigations conducted in 2006 and confirmed the higher soil stability due to mycorrhizal fungi and ity. Previously conducted laboratory experiments were validated with field based investigations conducted in 2006 and confirmed the higher soil stability due to mycorrhizal fungi and better rooting; in terms of an increase of the angle of internal friction (ĭ') of up to 5°. tions conducted in 2006 and confirmed the higher soil stability due to mycorrhizal fungi better rooting; in an increase of the angle of internal friction (ĭ') of up to 5°. tions conducted interms 2006of and confirmed the higher soil stability due to mycorrhizal fungi and and better rooting; in terms of an increase of the angle of internal friction (ĭ') of up to 5°. better rooting; in terms of an increase of the angle of internal friction (ĭ') of up to 5°. better rooting; in terms of an increase of the angle of internal friction (ĭ') of up to 5°. Conclusions Conclusions Conclusions The joint technical and biological measures in “Schwandrübi” are vitally important concernConclusions CONCLUSIONS The joint technical and biological measures in “Schwandrübi” are vitally important concernConclusions The joint technical and biological measures in “Schwandrübi” are vitally important concerning practical as well as scientific aspects. The concept applied has proven suitable to protect The joint technical and biological measures in “Schwandrübi” are vitally important concerning practical as well as scientific aspects. The concept applied has proven suitable to protect The joint technical and biological measures in “Schwandrübi” are vitally important concerning practical as well as scientific aspects. The concept applied has proven suitable to protect the ski resort above and the subjacent villages. It was and still is the starting point of new ing practical as well as scientific aspects. The concept applied has proven suitable to protect the ski resort above and the subjacent villages. It was and still is the starting point of new ing practical as well as scientific aspects. The concept applied has proven suitable to protect the ski resort above and the subjacent villages. It was and still is the starting point of new findings and perspectives in view of environmentally compatible slope stabilisation. There is the ski resort above and the subjacent villages. It was and still is the starting point of new findings and perspectives in view of environmentally compatible slope stabilisation. There is the ski resort above and the subjacent villages. It was and still is the starting point of new findings and perspectives in view of environmentally compatible slope stabilisation. There is evidence that the eco-engineering approach of WSL shapes up as a successful strategy in the findings and perspectives in view of environmentally compatible slope stabilisation. There is evidence that the eco-engineering approach of WSL shapes up as aa successful strategy in the findings and perspectives in view of environmentally compatible slope stabilisation. There is evidence that the eco-engineering approach of WSL shapes up as successful strategy in the long-term, although the complex interactions of the processes that control soil stability do not evidence that the eco-engineering approach of WSL shapes up as a successful strategy in the long-term, although the complex interactions of the processes that control soil stability do not evidence that theyears eco-engineering approach ofofWSL shapes upthat as acontrol successful strategy do in not the long-term, although the complex interactions the processes soil stability adjust within 25 to aa steady-state. long-term, although the complex interactions of the processes that control soil stability do not adjust within 25 years to steady-state. long-term, although the complex interactions of the processes that control soil stability do not adjust within 25 years to aa steady-state. adjust within 25 years to adjust within 25 years to a steady-state. steady-state. Keywords: eco-engineering, slope stabilisation, long-term reliability Keywords: eco-engineering, slope stabilisation, long-term reliability Keywords: eco-engineering, slope stabilisation, long-term reliability Keywords: eco-engineering, slope stabilisation, long-term Keywords: eco-engineering, slope stabilisation, long-term reliability reliability – 125 –
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