GIS-based kinematic slope instability and slope mass rating (SMR) maps: application to a railway route in Sivas (Turkey)

The paper discusses the use of kinematic stability and slope mass rating (SMR) maps in GIS based on field studies recording the relationships between the bedding/joint geometry relative to the orientation of the free face. The results indicated the potential for both planar and wedge type failures in many locations along a railway route. Whilst the results showed the procedure to be a useful first assessment of slope stability, it is recommended that the construction of the maps by kinematic slope stability and SMR analysis within the GIS medium should be used in conjunction with more sophisticated slope stability models taking into account of the material strengths, hydrostatic pressures, seepage forces, active forces, passive forces, etc.