Mount Soledad Landslide Evaluation in California
Subsurface exploration, geotechnical testing, and expert advisory.
Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, successfully conducted a comprehensive landslide evaluation and stabilization project on Mount Soledad in La Jolla, California, enabling the safe reopening of a major transportation artery under critical time constraints.
Key Information
Project Name: Soledad Mountain Road
Client: City of San Diego
Location: La Jolla, California
Services Provided: Subsurface Exploration, Laboratory Testing, Geologic and Engineering Analyses, Expert Witness Services, Written Report
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The Challenge
Responding to Critical Infrastructure Failure
When landslide movement threatened homes and disrupted Soledad Mountain Road, a major roadway in La Jolla, the City of San Diego faced an urgent infrastructure crisis. The landslide hazard posed significant risks to public safety and required immediate action to prevent further damage to surrounding residential properties already involved in litigation.
The project presented multiple complex challenges:
- Time-critical investigation to identify causes of landslide reactivation
- Need for immediate interim stabilization before winter rains
- Requirement to reopen a major traffic artery serving the community
- Coordination of geotechnical investigation while addressing ongoing litigation concerns
- Assessment of damaged and destroyed homes within the landslide zone
The urgency of this situation demanded rapid mobilization of specialized expertise and resources, as any delay could have resulted in additional property damage, extended road closure, and increased public safety risks.
When landslide movement threatened homes and disrupted Soledad Mountain Road, a major roadway in La Jolla, the City of San Diego faced an urgent infrastructure crisis. The landslide hazard posed significant risks to public safety and required immediate action to prevent further damage to surrounding residential properties already involved in litigation.
The project presented multiple complex challenges:
- Time-critical investigation to identify causes of landslide reactivation
- Need for immediate interim stabilization before winter rains
- Requirement to reopen a major traffic artery serving the community
- Coordination of geotechnical investigation while addressing ongoing litigation concerns
- Assessment of damaged and destroyed homes within the landslide zone
The urgency of this situation demanded rapid mobilization of specialized expertise and resources, as any delay could have resulted in additional property damage, extended road closure, and increased public safety risks.
THE SOLUTION
Comprehensive Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment
Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, mobilized a multidisciplinary team of geologists and engineers on short notice. Their approach combined multiple subsurface exploration techniques to fully understand the landslide hazard and its triggers.
Investigation Services
- Large-diameter Borings: Downhole logging by Certified Engineering Geologists to evaluate landslide geometry and characteristics.
- Small-diameter Borings: Sampling of over 2,500 soil specimens for moisture content analysis and comprehensive laboratory testing.
- Geologic Mapping: Detailed field assessment and analysis of existing geologic conditions and landslide features.
- Document Review: Evaluation of pertinent literature, geotechnical reports, topographic maps, and historical geological data.
- Property Assessment: Thorough evaluation of damaged residential properties within the landslide impact zone.
Construction Stabilization Methods
- Continuous monitoring throughout construction phases
- Grading: Slope modification and earthwork to optimize stability and reduce landslide risk.
- Shear Pin Installation: Placement of reinforced concrete structural elements for enhanced slope stability.
- Geofabric Reinforcement: Implementation of advanced textile systems to strengthen soil structure and prevent erosion.
- Drainage Improvements: Installation of advanced water management systems to control infiltration and reduce pore pressure.
- Construction Monitoring: Continuous oversight and quality assurance throughout all stabilization phases.
Project Consulting Services
- Expert Witness Support: Technical guidance and professional testimony during litigation proceedings.
- Project Advisory: Long-term stability planning and strategic consulting for ongoing risk management.
- Technical Reporting: Comprehensive written documentation of findings, analyses, and recommendations.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Professional liaison services with city officials and affected property owners.
This integrated approach reflects SOCOTEC’s commitment to providing trusted expertise, from the ground up, in both geotechnical investigations and complex project advisory.
The Results
Restoring Safety and Resilience
By leveraging advanced geotechnical and laboratory capabilities, Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, helped the City of San Diego:
- Stabilize the hillside and re-open Soledad Mountain Road safely and efficiently.
- Conduct a thorough landslide risk assessment to prevent future incidents.
- Provide detailed, actionable reports supporting litigation and project advisory efforts.
- Protect homes and infrastructure while ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance.
If your infrastructure or real estate development faces geotechnical challenges, landslide hazards, or risk assessment needs, SOCOTEC can provide reliable geotechnical solutions.
By leveraging advanced geotechnical and laboratory capabilities, Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, helped the City of San Diego:
- Stabilize the hillside and re-open Soledad Mountain Road safely and efficiently.
- Conduct a thorough landslide risk assessment to prevent future incidents.
- Provide detailed, actionable reports supporting litigation and project advisory efforts.
- Protect homes and infrastructure while ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance.
If your infrastructure or real estate development faces geotechnical challenges, landslide hazards, or risk assessment needs, SOCOTEC can provide reliable geotechnical solutions.
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