Preventive measures against slope erosion. Criteria for soil selection

Abstract

ln formulating the problem of slope erosion, in geotechnical terms, there is considered the tangential stress due to rain erosivity, against the shear resistence of the soil.

For this purpose, use is made, on the one hand, of the concept of tractive force used in hydraulic engineering for flow in channels this concept being extended to surface runoff on slopes and, moreover, of Coulomb's law, which is generalized to shear resistance in soils subjected to such runoff.

On the basis of this formulation and of previous studies on erodibility, swelling and petrifaction, suggestions are made, in a preliminary stage, as regards criteria for the choice of erosion-resistant soils, and indications are given on research to be carried out.