Geoenvironmental assessment of the formation and expansion of earth fissures as geological hazards along the route of the Haram-to-Haram Highway, Iran

Abstract

This study assessed the mechanisms and agents that have contributed to the formation and expansion of earth fissures along the route of the Haram-to-Haram Highway in Iran. To this end, several geological and geotechnical approaches were used, including comprehensive field investigations, in situ tests, soil sampling, and laboratory assessments. Results showed that a combination of shallow and deep mechanisms and various geoenvironmental agents contributed to fissure formation and expansion in the study area, with soil characteristics playing a significant part in the fissuring. This study indicated that earth fissuring is an ongoing problem in the study area that endangers the safety of highway traffic. However, some applicable remedial measures that could mitigate the problem and protect the highway from the adverse consequences of the earth fissuring are also proposed herein. © 2017, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.