How can you overcome the risks of working on a sloped site?

Capturing data and information having a direct impact on the activities planned on the site is the first step to ensure the works will be done in the right manner.

First and foremost one should gather as much idea as possible about the geological/ geotechnical formations- the topo, the sub terrain information, the strength parameters and situational loading conditions that are envisaged at different stages. )Detailed investigation not only helps with risk mitigation but can help in saving nig bucks at later stages.) A detailed risk assessment of the conditions with changing phases of construction should be discussed and mitigation measures should be placed/ planned accordingly. A thoughtful instrumentation plan is a boon for such sites. Never ever miss this.

One of the things I have learnt is that planning your drainage could potentially solve a large part of potential failures. Proper drainage could assist with either minimising or reducing erosion savages on site more especially on restricted or confined areas. Drainage should not be an afterthought but part of the execution strategies and must be considered at the planning stage. You need to study the site and consider historic water path which will assist in using the topography to plan your drainage / stormwater management. This must also be inclusive of a good housekeeping which is mostly neglected. As an example, workers storing tools and equipment on drainage areas, which could potentially impact effectiveness of the drainage system.

Compaction, compaction, compaction. Believing a wide track dozer will provide the same compaction as a sheep's foot is a horrible start.....

In some practical work, the clients / designer may not take the into account the soft soil issue. For example, the slope stability along the riverbank where the client may need to backfill. When the underlaying soft soil is not properly treated, the slope possibly failed during the backfilling process, and this associated to the operation safety.

This is great but management of storm water runoff should be considered too as part of the drainage plan. The architect and the services Engineers need to think through this in terms of roof design and location of mechanical services within the site.

I think benching and terracing are crucial techniques in site grading if working on sloped terrain. Benching involves creating stepped levels or platforms on a slope, effectively breaking up the incline into more manageable sections. This helps stabilize the soil, control erosion, and provide flat areas for construction activities. Terracing, on the other hand, is a more extensive approach, where a series of flat platforms, or terraces, are constructed on the slope. These terraces act as retaining walls, holding back soil and preventing erosion.

In my experience the more a structure fits the topography, the less disruption to natural drainage and aesthetic. That said the site should allow for stable access road/parking. Otherwise what’s the point? A great natural view should be enjoyed but not destroyed.

Remember Civil 101, always maintain positive flow! Find the lowest point of your site and identify the drainage points. If this is a catchbasin or storm inlet, make sure to install environmental protections. This will save you the grief of your spoils migrating off site during a weather event. These events can be especially costly with environmental impact if care isn't taken during the planning and subsequent grading phase. Don't forget, within your site profile the "finish product" with curbs and catchbasins may not be functional during construction.

In sloped site building, site grading is very important because it improves drainage, stability, and looks while reducing the amount of digging and filling that needs to be done. To make a good grading plan, work with civil engineers or landscape planners. Following local rules and codes is important to protect the environment from damage like erosion and floods and make sure the project goes well.

In my experience, poor quality of workmanship for berm drain, cascading drain as well as toe drain as an additional cause to the slope failure. Surface runoff is more intelligence to find ways to reach the discharge point. furthermore, by making an earth bund also much help to prevent surface runoff going to the slopes, this applies to completed platform/area.

Stopping erosion on sloped areas is very important. Erosion that isn't stopped can damage structures, utilities, water quality, and the cost of doing business. It is very important to use things like silt fences, straw wattles, erosion blankets, and sediment pools. Putting mulch, gravel, or plants over exposed dirt helps keep it stable. It is very important to build drainage systems so that water doesn't run off of slopes. Controlling erosion in a timely manner protects the integrity of your project and your environmental duty, reducing the chance of problems.

Installed first and also budgeted properly for upkeep through the construction process. Many times estimates for erosion control measures only consider the initial installation. As many of us know, drop inlet protection, silt fence, check dams and many other forms of bmps must be replaced regularly. Not budgeting and negotiating these items properly in contract agreements causes major costs and delays later on in the construction process.

As per site analysis, do proper erosion control activities, sedimentation, fencing, gravels on the walkways, and rainwater management.

The design concept must involve all areas of construction, including erosion control during construction and after. All project stakeholders must understand the risks involved, and appropriate control measures must be included in the design, as well as adequate oversight of the construction activities, and proper maintenance of the site. Understanding the risks is key to collaboration and cooperation to achieve the goal of a safe project built on a sloped site.

This should identify all of the potential hazards associated with the site, such as the steepness of the slope, the type of soil, and the presence of any obstacles. Once the hazards have been identified, appropriate control measures can be put in place.

I agree that slope stabilization is the absolute first step to tackle. Not only in the interest of a successful project, but first and foremost in the interest of the safety of your staff and contractors!!

When designing a foundation for a sloped site, it is very important to think about things like the slope angle, the soil's bearing ability, the groundwater level, the frequency of earthquakes, and the depth of the frost. For custom options, you need to work with structural or geotechnical engineers. Stepped footings are often used for hills that change, pier and beam for stability, piles for deep support, and caissons for difficult terrain. Customized foundation design makes sure that the structure is safe and sound, taking into account the conditions of the spot and the building's requirements. It's an important part of building on sloped sites that they go well.

Functional design must be included as part of the planning. In my experience in the industry, the level of slope is always a point to consider. We may avoid working on sloping site if possible but if not, then some engineering inputs should be introduced like levelling or partitioning. Slopes at sites in influencing growth of unwanted weeds which is more reason it should be checked.

By carefully planning, implementing engineering solutions, and prioritizing safety, you can reduce the risks associated with working on a sloped site and ensure a safer and more successful construction project.

These are in order, we could consider preventing crowding the site, using ground protection mats over wet, muddy, slippery and uneven surfaces that may be created by construction activities. Cover or guard all holes that may constitute trip hazards for workers and equipment, this may be more dangerous on slopes. Repair steps cut into the slopes from time to time as they deteriorate with use.

Or a mechanical mean of access and egress lifts onto crash platforms anchored on the ridge to either a screw pile or a concrete mass

Whatever the situation, the safety of workers at site and equipment should always be prioritized. The environment should be safe, ready and controlled so as to guarantee the safety of all workers. Safety of workers is sure when the site risk is properly analyzed and eradicated by provision of basic safety aids. The right personal protective equipment, fit-for purpose equipment and good safety culture being enforced.

Always consider that cranes shall work on a limited slope for lifting operations. Any slope above 3% can be limiting the type of crane selected

Such projects require a study of soil stability and seismic tests, in addition to a soil report and a careful study of floods during design, and also during implementation. They require monitoring environmental&safety requirements also using a special equipment designated for this work

Personally, I have had the opportunity to observe how my home was constructed on the slope of a mountain. Due to the nature of the stone, the process of breaking it took a considerable amount of time, and “Time is of the essence”. Therefore, the ultimate decision was to incorporate the natural stone into the design, rather than investing extensive efforts in its removal. Consequently, the stone has become part of our home.

Cost can easily go up high in a sloped site. Therefore, it is important to consider optimization in civil design. One of the way is not to level the complete site to 0.00 elevation, but live with different elevations in the plot. These different elevations should consider the maximum displacement settlement of machinery, piping, and movement of heavy equipment. In many cases it is possible to deviate from the settlement requirements (reduce requirements) by evaluating the design. Case by case evaluation is needed for each type of site. If the soil conditions require piling in most of the areas, then this will automatically fulfill the settlement criteria.

Plan. Do. Check. Act. Plan Do. Check. Act. Lean construction principles is a good start to ensuring a well planned methodical approach to a site that has inherent risk.