High Capacity Flexible Systems for Slope Stabilization in La Gomera (Spain)

The information contained in this document refers to the use of high capacity flexible systems for slope stabilizations in volcanic terrains in La Gomera (Canary Islands – Spain). On the TF-711 road, civil jobs for platform improvement began in July 2007. In two different winter seasons, ending 2009 and 2010, heavy rainstorms hit the area, provoking large amounts of rock falls and landslides from slopes which had been protected with traditional technologies used in the area. A proven, but not widely extended technology was proposed to solve the problem. It is based on a mesh made of high tensile steel wire with yield strength of 1,770 N/mm2, combined with steel rope reinforcement, and bar anchorages. Such solutions provide very versatile systems with a high retention capacity. It is being proved as definitive and the most efficient solution for the frequent instabilities affecting the road, also minimizing the environmental impact on a highly ecologically protected area. The problem and the solution are discussed here, focussing on the description of the systems.