Behavior of a colluvial slope located in Southeastern Brazil

Colluvial deposits are commonly found throughout the Serra do Mar escarpment in Brazil. This article discusses predisposing geotechnical and geological factors related to the movement of a colluvium deposit located at km 29 of the Brazilian Federal Highway 116, Rio de Janeiro/RJ (BR-116/RJ). During the highway construction in mid-1976, an excavation of the toe of the slope was implemented, exacerbating preexisting movement. In order to understand the behavior of this deposit, field investigations, monitoring, and laboratory tests, as well as theoretical analyses were carried out. A subsoil survey in the area indicated the presence of a colluvium-filled paleo-thalweg. The site is located in a region with a specific geomorphology that favors significant sources of recharge to groundwater. The highly foliated rock has persistent parallel fractures, with a dip favorable to the groundwater flow in the direction of the slope. Statistical analyses were performed and good correlations were observed for rainfall, movements, groundwater table (GWT) levels, piezometer readings, and the discharge from deep horizontal drains (DHDs). The installation of the DHDs led to a GWT draw-down of 15 m, as well as reductions in movement and artesian pressure. The drains that presented the best performance were those installed in the colluvium-filled paleo-thalweg. Nevertheless, the present number of DHDs installed is not sufficient to permanently lower the GWT and stop the creep movement in the slope which was reactivated during a period of intense rainfall. Stability analysis indicates that a proper slope stability condition may be achieved by reducing the GWT level.