International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Vaishali Singh, Anupam Kumar Gautam
Abstract: Ravine slope instability is a persistent geotechnical and environmental challenge in the semi-arid Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. The problem is driven by shallow lateritic soils, steep slopes, intense monsoonal runoff, and progressive land degradation. This study presents a comprehensive comparative evaluation of conventional soil stabilization techniques—lime and fly-ash treatment—and sustainable alternatives, including vetiver grass bio-engineering and geocell reinforcement. Representative soil samples collected from Jhansi, Lalitpur, Banda, and Mahoba districts were subjected to laboratory testing to determine index properties, compaction behaviour, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Numerical slope stability analyses were conducted using limit equilibrium methods under both dry and saturated conditions. Results reveal that while lime stabilization produces the highest immediate strength gains, sustainable techniques achieve comparable improvements in slope stability with significantly enhanced erosion control and lower environmental impact. Factors of safety increased from 1.05–1.20 (untreated) to 1.50–1.70 (treated), depending on the method used. Sustainable methods demonstrated superior erosion reduction (60–80%) compared to chemical stabilization (40–60%).The study concludes that bio-engineering and geosynthetic-based approaches provide a balanced, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable solution for long-term ravine slope stabilization.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20340981
