A CAE IN LAOS – NNP1 Hydropower Project

1. Three categories of stability evaluation approaches may be applicable:

• soil and overburden materials for which soil mechanics based stability evaluations are
appropriate;
• locally homogeneous rock mass situations (homogeneous within a domain) for which rock
mass classification based stability evaluations are appropriate;

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 • behaviour dominated by geological structure, in which cases, kinematic stability analyses will
be required. This is unlikely in the present case of NNP1 but no harm in thoroughly
understanding whether this case can be considered or not! I cannot tell without visiting the
site.
If stability is shown to be critical, more sophisticated analyses may be necessary.

Advanced stability evaluation techniques - Deterministic

In special cases of high slopes, sensitive slopes, or in cases when optimisation is necessary, the
application of more sophisticated methods of stability analysis may be required. If the application of
such methods is necessary, it is recommended that they be carried out by geotechnical engineers
experienced in their application.

Stress analysis of slopes - Deterministic

Although the application of numerical stress analyses to slopes was first carried out many years ago
(Duncan and Goodman, 1968; Mahtab and Goodman, 1970; Stacey, 1970; Stacey, 1973), there has
been relatively little application in this area. The advantages of the approach are that the following
can be modelled:
• the excavation sequence (it may not be applicable if no modification is required!!!) ;
• the inclusion of water pressure and flow;
• the progressive development of yield and failure zones (and their possible return to stability as
excavation ((slope medication stages!)) proceeds);
• the modelling of deformations, and the identification of progressive (accelerating or unstable
deformations) or regressive (decelerating of stabilising deformations) conditions. The interpretation
of "stability" requires engineering judgement and experience. Stress analysis approaches, however,
give insights into possible slope behaviours that cannot be gained from conventional stability
analyses. They do provide a means of comparison with actual slope behaviour, calibration with such
behaviour, and subsequent updating of the numerical model (s) to improve its validity for the
prediction of instability. The modelling results achieved from these types of stability analyses are
often very useful indicators of the rate and magnitude of displacement that can be anticipated for
the slopes.
Probabilistic analysis of stability - needs a long explanation, can be checked literature if required!

2. https://www.rocscience.com/software/slope-stability software to be used : (i) Slide2 and

(iii) Phase2 v8, which is a lower version of RS2. These are identical to PLAXIS. For detailed
information, you can visit the Rocscience homepage.
3. For 2D modelling purposes we need an accurate profile (slope geometry), Soil properties of
different layers (if that is the case!), C and phi peak and residual, unit weights, piezometric
line if there is any!), pore pressure for semi saturated soil, soil characteristics/soil
classification, Poisson ratio. Note: the slope consists of heterogeneous materials.

I have extensively studied numerous pieces of literature. In the case of NNP1, they need to combine
various measures as presented below. It is better understood by graphical presentation, therefore I
have inserted various diagrams. Appropriate combinations can be selected.

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First of all remove all trees (some people don’t like this idea but I do! For the reasons
shown below)

Mechanisms of root reinforcement of grass plants and tree

Likely scenario at NNP1 HEP - Laos

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The type of stabilisation measures to be used can be a combination of the following:
• permanent rock anchors - suitable in our case
• Geomembrane Impermeable Blanket – Protective Cover – suitable in our case
• soil nailing with slope surface protection – suitable in our case
• rock dowels – need to check
• rock bolting – spot bolting could be considered for rock sections
• buttress walls – could be considered
• retaining walls / reinforced concrete retaining structure– could be considered
• relieved drains/surface drains / subsurface drains etc.- could be considered

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An example of a Geomembrane Impermeable Blanket – Protective Cover

Dimension should be based on hydrological/rainfall etc analysis for water collecting structures!!!
This is just an example of an approach.

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Application of various slope stabilising measures

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Combination of support system - Details of typical rock slope stabilisation methods

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Minimization of rockfall by structural means.

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Details of typical rock fall control measures

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Concrete grillages - Japan
A method of stabilisation for cuts slopes in weathered rock that is widely used in Asia is reinforced
concrete grillages (Figure below). Grillages are a network of concrete beams, oriented horizontally
and vertically and spaced at about 3 m (10 ft), with a rock anchor at each intersection point. The
rock anchors, which serve two functions – to reinforce the rock slope and to secure the grillage to
the rock slope, may be steel bars or strand cable. The length and load capacity of the rock anchors
depends on the requirements for slope support. The open face between the beams is covered with
wire mesh to hold loose rock fragments in place, and is kept free of shotcrete to facilitate drainage,
supplemented with drain holes if necessary.
Grillages are usually constructed with shotcrete that is built up on the steel reinforcing cage, with
workers using the trowels to shape the beams.

Construction of reinforced concrete grillage to support cut slope in weathered rock (near Niigata,
Japan).

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Surface and subsurface drainage in the slope

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Sub-horizontal drainage to lower groundwater levels for slope stabilization
(http://www.sigra.com.au)
Rock bolting is using to transfer loads from the unstable zone at the rock face to the stronger
interior mass (http://www.moretrench.com)

Rock bolting is using to transfer loads from the unstable zone at the rock face to the stronger
interior mass (http://www.moretrench.com)

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Application of tieback on the piles through a competent layer of rock

Typical Layout of Rock Netting

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Gunite and soil nails

An anchored Tecco mesh system secured by a grid of rock bolts

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A detail of the anchors used to secure the mesh system is shown above

Rock buttress is used to control unstable slopes (Schuster and Krizek, 1978)

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Crib Wall

Network of ditches which converge to carry surface waters away from the unstable slope

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Reinforced Earthwall

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Concrete surface drainage – Contour Ditch

An outlet of horizontal subsurface slope drainage – useful only in the fractured rock section,
especially sandstone. Questionable in mudstone section?? But OK in jointed sandstone.

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V‐drain along Toe of Slope

V‐drain along Berm of Slope

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