Failure of landslide stabilization measures : the Sidi Rached viaduct case (Constantine, Algeria)

Abstract The goal of this paper is to document causes of the failure of stabilization measures undertaken for stabilizing a complex landslide threatening the Sidi Rached viaduct in Constantine, Algeria. Since the first instabilities, documented in 1910 during its construction, significant disturbances have been regularly observed on its eastern part and reinforcements carried out were only temporarily effective. Observed disturbances are inherently related to the fact that the eastern abutment and the three subsequent piers are built on unstable Maastrichtian marls whereas the remainder of the viaduct rests on stable Turonian limestone. The five main factors controlling the activation of the failure process are reviewed: (1) geomorphology, (2) geology, (3) human activities, (4) climate, and (5) seismicity. Data interpretation of two inclinometer surveys carried out close to the eastern abutment shows that the unstable mass moves westward, towards the Rhumel gorges. The main slip surface is located in the Maastrichtian schistose marl, at a depth ranging from about 8 m (west) to about 30 m (east). This translational slide is associated with a settling phenomenon due to the petrophysical properties of the unstable marl.