Application of Eco - Friendly Geotextiles for Landslide Mitigation in a Part of Ooty Hills , Tamil Nadu

Landslide is one of the major natural hazards the world is facing. It happens as a result of both man-made as well as natural factors. It causes severe effects on the environment as well as for the mankind. The main triggering factors of landslide are rainfall/snowfall, tectonic activities and human activities. There are many methods adopted for controlling landslides. The study was carried out to know the application of geotextiles in slope stabilization. Ooty is one of the main areas in India which is prone to landslides. Many loose their life, property etc due to landslides every year. The present study attempted in Kattery watershed. Various thematic maps pertaining to landslide hazard studies were prepared from the toposheets and satellite imageries using GIS. Finally the landslide hazard zonation map of Kattery watershed was prepared by assigning proper weights and ranks for various themes. The north eastern and south western part of Kattery watershed is more vulnerable to landslides and the south eastern part is less vulnerable. About 200 kg of soil sample from the landslide site was collected and transported to the laboratory. Physical, chemical and engineering properties of the soil were tested in the laboratory. The laboratory results show that the soil is classified as inorganic soil of low plasticity. The optimum moisture content of the soil is 23.5% and the maximum dry density is 1.61g/cc. The result of direct shear test indicates that the angle of internal friction is 38°. The Liquid Limit of the soil is 45 % and the Plastic Limit is 31.40%. To understand the application of coir geotextile for soil erosion and slope stabilization, laboratory models were created, and the soil was tested by varying slope and moisture content. The model demonstrated that geotextiles performed better for protection of slope and soil erosion. As the coir geotextile is biodegradable and eco-friendly it will not affect the environment also.