Innovative Geocell-Based Slope Stabilization for Sustainable Protection: A Case Study of a Radio Tower Site in Kodagu, India

This study addresses slope stability challenges at the All-India Radio Telecommunication Tower site in Kodagu, Coorg, Karnataka, India. The hillock supporting the tower exhibited signs of instability following the monsoon of 2022, prompting the need for effective reclamation strategies to prevent future landslides. A detailed spatial analysis was conducted using open-source Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and the Scoop 3D spatial Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) tool to identify critical regions susceptible to failure. To ensure robust and sustainable slope stabilization, geocell retaining walls were selected as an innovative solution. This technique promotes biotechnical stabilization by integrating structural reinforcement with natural vegetation, aligning with sustainability principles. The three-dimensional geometry of the proposed solution was modelled, and Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations were performed using PLAXIS 3D to evaluate the design’s performance under static and pseudo-static conditions, both with and without reinforcement. The analysis revealed that the geocell-based retaining system significantly enhances the slope's stability, achieving a Factor of Safety improvement of more than 10%. This solution not only addresses immediate stability concerns but also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 and 11, emphasizing resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development. The study concludes by recommending the implementation of this hybrid geocell retaining system to effectively mitigate future landslides and protect the telecommunication tower site.