Title
Failed Mitigation and Remediation of Geologic Hazards near Beverly Beach State Park, Oregon: Implications for Geologic Understanding and Public Policy
Date
5-30-2013 11:15 AM
Location
Health and Wellness Center (HWC) Room 105
Department
Earth Science
Session Chair
Jeff Myers
Session Title
Earth Science Senior Seminar Research: Geological Hazards Impacting US 101 at Beverly Beach, Oregon, and their Mitigation
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Jeff Myers
Presentation Type
Presentation
Abstract
Geologic hazards near Beverly Beach, Oregon coupled with existing public policies have resulted in a number of failed mitigation strategies for US Highway 101. The sedimentology and structural geology of the Astoria Formation and overlying marine terraces in the region create a foundation prone to landslides. The climate and hydrology of coastal Oregon add to the potential for slope failure by increasing pore pressure and saturation. Federal, state, and local governments have used a variety of public policies to both prevent and remediate slope failure including limiting land use, installing culverts, dewatering, and road re-paving. Failed mitigation has resulted from both incomplete geologic studies of the region and public policy incompatible with geologic understanding. In this study, an experimental design assesses how re-pavement of Highway 101 affects the slope stability of the region. Field measurements of asphalt thickness, and cover area will be used to calculate the influence of increased load weight on the slope, and how this affects landslide frequency and magnitude. Results of this experiment can be used to interpret the total long term impacts of current public policies of road remediation versus the higher short term costs of slope mitigation.
Recommended Citation
Roberts, Kathryn, "Failed Mitigation and Remediation of Geologic Hazards near Beverly Beach State Park, Oregon: Implications for Geologic Understanding and Public Policy" (2013). Academic Excellence Showcase Schedule. 10.
http://digitalcommons.wou.edu/aes_event/2013/es/10
Failed Mitigation and Remediation of Geologic Hazards near Beverly Beach State Park, Oregon: Implications for Geologic Understanding and Public Policy
Health and Wellness Center (HWC) Room 105
Geologic hazards near Beverly Beach, Oregon coupled with existing public policies have resulted in a number of failed mitigation strategies for US Highway 101. The sedimentology and structural geology of the Astoria Formation and overlying marine terraces in the region create a foundation prone to landslides. The climate and hydrology of coastal Oregon add to the potential for slope failure by increasing pore pressure and saturation. Federal, state, and local governments have used a variety of public policies to both prevent and remediate slope failure including limiting land use, installing culverts, dewatering, and road re-paving. Failed mitigation has resulted from both incomplete geologic studies of the region and public policy incompatible with geologic understanding. In this study, an experimental design assesses how re-pavement of Highway 101 affects the slope stability of the region. Field measurements of asphalt thickness, and cover area will be used to calculate the influence of increased load weight on the slope, and how this affects landslide frequency and magnitude. Results of this experiment can be used to interpret the total long term impacts of current public policies of road remediation versus the higher short term costs of slope mitigation.