Slope stabilization and management are undertaken to prevent natural disasters, such as landslides and mudslides. As this is a preventive measure, not every slope requires such intervention. Therefore, it is necessary to assess slopes; only those at risk of collapse warrant the installation of protective systems—such as slope protection netting. Indiscriminate installation would not only be labor-intensive but also entail an exorbitant, unsustainable expenditure of financial and human resources. So, what indicators should one look for during a slope survey to determine if protection netting is necessary?
1. During the survey, a comprehensive assessment should be conducted, taking into account local climatic conditions, engineering-geological parameters, and the historical record of slope collapses in the area.
2. Since slope displacement is often imperceptible to the naked eye, professional surveying instruments must be used to monitor for movement over a period of time. Significant displacement serves as an indicator of potential landslide activity, signaling the need for either active or passive slope protection netting.
3. Local rainfall patterns must be considered. Even if a slope shows minimal displacement, heavy rainfall can trigger landslides.
4. Groundwater activity is a critical factor affecting slope stability; therefore, a thorough analysis of groundwater conditions is essential.
5. It is necessary to analyze the causes of previous slope collapses to infer whether similar disasters might occur on other slopes.
As these points illustrate, slope stabilization is a highly complex undertaking. While specific risk factors can be identified, a comprehensive analysis—accounting for all relevant variables—is the only way to reach an accurate conclusion.
In the 21st century, green ecological development and environmental protection have become major priorities, addressed by governments and citizens worldwide. Rapid infrastructure development, when misaligned with ecological preservation, can damage the natural environment upon which human life depends. This hinders sustainable economic and social development and poses a direct threat to human safety and societal progress. Therefore, the development and design of new projects, alongside the protection of the ecological environment in both urban and rural areas, constitute vital research topics for sustainable economic development. We must recognize the importance of—and ensure—the effective allocation of resources toward project construction, ecological conservation, and environmental remediation.
