Influence of Calculation Parameters on the Slope Stability of the Historical Rasos Cemetery in Vilnius (Lithuania)

Abstract

Many objects of cultural and religious importance are located on naturally or artificially shaped hills. In such cases, the stability of the slopes determines both the safety of users and the facilities themselves and thus the preservation of cultural heritage. The analysis of the slope stability requires the assessment of the soil shear strength, defined as the ratio of resistance forces to driving forces. An important issue in the slope stability analysis is the proper determination of soil mechanical parameters, including their changes due to soil moisture. This paper presents an assessment of the slope stability of the Rasos Cemetery in Vilnius (Lithuania), where, due to a partial slope sliding, some of the tombstones were destroyed by being covered with soil. An analysis of the slope stability (factor of safety) was performed for two cross-sections using six calculation schemes. In each of them, calculations were carried out for three groups of soil parameters and for four design approaches (characteristic values, DA2, DA3a, and DA3b in accordance with the geotechnical standard applicable in the European Union—Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design). For the calculation approach (DA3a) for different groups of soil parameters, the values of the slope stability factors of safety were practically below 1.0. If the value of the factor of safety is less than 1.0, the slope is unstable. In the range of values 1.0–1.3, there is a serious risk of slope instability, and only when the factor of safety value reaches above 1.3 is the slope classified as stable. The comparison of the slope stability factors obtained with different design approaches (in relation to the DA3a) shows that the most unfavorable stability factor is approximately 43% lower than the result obtained from the characteristic values, approximately 21% lower than the result obtained using the DA2 design approach, and approximately 24% lower than the result obtained using the DA3b design approach. The analytical and numerical method (GEO5) analysis showed that, regardless of the adopted calculation approach, the required slope stability factor was not obtained. The article shows that selecting the correct geological cross-section to determine the critical slope slip surface and adopting the relevant design approach is crucial for slope sustainability. Based on the analysis, a proprietary solution for the construction work was proposed, which will ensure both the full stability of the slope and the safety of all graves and consequently landslide disaster prevention.