Stability assessment of desander cut slope of Seti Khola Hydropower Project

Due to steep topography in the Himalaya, opening space for development of infrastructures involves excavation hillside slopes which possesses certain degree risk associated with failure. This paper aims assess stability rock slope excavated placement desander basin Seti Khola Hydropower Project (22 MW) located Lekhnath, Kaski district Gandaki Province. The height cut is about 60 m and challenging part construction work this project. mass belonging highly schistose graphitic phyllite intercalated meta-sandstone at upper slope. To conduct a detailed assessment, discontinuities, geometric characteristics have been evaluated by field mapping. A three dimensional (3D) geological model has generated represent properties discontinuities incorporating failure plane. mechanical characteristic intact established through literature review whereas assessed using different equations. Rock quality Mass Rating (RMR) method classification. RMR values are then correlated into Slope (SMR) factors as per site conditions. Further, kinematic analysis carried out discontinuity evaluate structurally controlled influence groundwater earthquake considered while determining shear strength sliding surface. Finally, assessments empirically, analytically two (2D) numerical modelling.