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The role of engineering geology in the route selection, design and construction of a road across the Blue Nile gorge, Ethiopia

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Abstract

The role of engineering geology in the final design and construction of a road crossing the Blue Nile (Abay) gorge in Ethiopia is described. This new road between Mekhane Selam and Gundewein is a strategic link in the Ethiopian road network and encounters very steep and difficult terrain that poses significant engineering geological challenges. Remote sensing, landscape modelling, reference condition classification, and conventional field mapping have been applied to assist in the finalisation of the alignment, the prediction of ground conditions for earthworks design, and the implementation of slope and drainage protection works. The approach adopted serves as a blueprint for other road construction and improvement projects in the region though limitations exist with respect to the prediction of variable volcanic rock sequences at depth without the benefit of ground investigation boreholes. Although ground conditions different from those predicted have been exposed along 15 % of the alignment, these have been of relatively minor significance and have necessitated unanticipated remedial action affecting less than 2 % of the alignment in the gorge. Thus far, the main damage to the road from geohazards has been caused by road-related effects, including the concentration of road drainage below culverts and seepages from broken and blocked side drains. The susceptibility of the terrain to uncontrolled runoff is such that preventative and reactive maintenance will be required throughout the lifetime of the road.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Ethiopian Roads Authority and URS Infrastructure and Environment UK Ltd for permission to publish this paper. The contributions of the following to remote sensing, field mapping, analysis, design, and construction supervision are gratefully acknowledged: Darryn Wise; Jonathan Hart; Colin Chant; Sarah D’Agostino; Phil Talbot; Solomon Kuliche, Lulseged Ayalew; Mesfin Teshome; Seyoum Belew, Kirti Bahadur Thapa; Solomon Assefa; and many others. Drawings were prepared by Karen Finlay. The Mekhane Selam–Gundewein road was constructed by CGCOC (CGC Overseas Construction Group, Beijing). The pre-construction design was undertaken by Renardet. SA/SABA Engineering and their efforts to identify the optimum road corridor formed an important contribution to the final design. Tim Hunt provided comments on the final draft of this paper.

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  1. Hearn Geoserve Ltd, 23 Little Paddocks, Ferring, Worthing, West Sussex, UK

    Gareth James Hearn

  2. 83 Langdale Avenue, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 4AJ, UK

    Geoffrey Stanley Pettifer

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  1. Gareth James Hearn
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  2. Geoffrey Stanley Pettifer
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Correspondence to Gareth James Hearn.

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Gareth James Hearn was formerly with Scott Wilson and URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Ltd.

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Hearn, G.J., Pettifer, G.S. The role of engineering geology in the route selection, design and construction of a road across the Blue Nile gorge, Ethiopia. Bull Eng Geol Environ 75, 163–191 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-015-0724-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-015-0724-y

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