High Geogrid-Reinforced Slopes as Flexible Solution for Problematic Steep Terrain: Trieben-Sunk Project, Austria

Open image in new window A large-scale construction project was implemented between June 2006 and September 2008 to reroute the B114 mountainside link road between Trieben and Sunk in Austria. In addition to comprehensive drainage and anchorage measures, the works included the extensive use of extra-steep, geosynthetic-reinforced slope structures to build the route and stabilize critical slip-prone slopes. This paper presents a technically expedient and practically feasible solution for the use of geosynthetic-reinforced retaining structures on projects subject to extremely difficult geotechnical and topographical conditions. Following a description of the geotechnical situation and associated problems, the procedure for dimensioning the geogrid-reinforced structures and practical aspects of the site operations are outlined, explained and discussed.