Geotechnical interventions to mitigate the geomorphological risk of the access road to Ribeira Quente parish - Azores archipelago

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Publication Title
Geotechnical interventions to mitigate the geomorphological risk of the access road to Ribeira Quente parish - Azores archipelago

Abstract
The regional road no. 2-2ª is the only access to Ribeira Quente parish on the island of São Miguel (Azores). This road is approximately 5.5 km long and runs along the Ribeira Quente valley, with slopes that, in some cases, reach 450 m in height and with very steep gradients. The geology is very complex, with basaltic (s.l.) and trachytic (s.l.) lava flows, welded and non-welded ignimbrites, fall and flow pumice deposits, and slope deposits. Due to their geological, morphological, and hydrological characteristics, normally associated with episodes of intense and/or prolonged rainfall, the slopes often become unstable, isolating the population of Ribeira Quente parish from any kind of assistance by land. An example of this was the disaster that occurred on October 31, 1997, which left 29 people dead. Given the above, various consolidation works were carried out on the road's slope, of different types, namely: alteration of geometry, installation of external and internal drainage systems, ditches, application of shotcrete with nailing, and a semi-tunnel. This work presents the different interventions carried out along this regional road, as well as those that are planned to minimize and mitigate geomorphological risks. The aim is also to illustrate and emphasise the fact that any stabilisation solution needs to be properly dimensioned and have a maintenance plan after its implementation to guarantee its full functionality.
Authors
Leticia Da Conceicao M. Moniz; P. Amaral; Ana Maria M. A. P. Malheiro; Filipe Miguel Marques; A. Santos

Published In

18th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE2024)

Theme

B - Geohazards

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