Slope Failure Report
Slope Failure Report
Slope Failure Report
INTRODUCTION:
The construc on of a new road to Taman Negara Endau Rompin, undertaken by PMJSB as the
contractor, has faced a significant challenge in the form of slope failure. This report aims to
outline the chronology of events leading up to the slope failure, iden fy the causes, and
propose recommenda ons for future mi ga on.
2. OBJECTIVE:
The objec ves of the report are as follows:
i. To analyze the circumstances surrounding the slope failure, determine the
contributing factors, and provide insights to prevent similar incidents in the future. By
understanding the causes, appropriate measures can be implemented to enhance
slope stability and ensure the safety and integrity of the project.
ii. To review Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn. Bhd. Collapsed Slope Report submitted by letter
PMJ/E-KAHANG/1000/PMC/LTR/0379 dated 18th March 2024 (see Appendix A).
3. CHRONOLOGY:
Table below shows the chronology of event leading to the slope failure at CH.14,000.
1
01-Jul
7 Excavation for Interceptor Drain Site Daily Report
2023
02-Jul
8 Concreting for Interceptor Drain Site Daily Report
2023
04-Jul
9 Slope cutting Site Daily Report
2023
07-Jul
10 Concreting for Interceptor Drain Site Daily Report
2023
12-Jul
11 Concreting for Interceptor Drain Site Daily Report
2023
17-Jul
12 Slope Cutting CH.14,100-CH.14,200 Site Daily Report
2023
05-Oct PMJSB will start hydroseeding soon for all the exposed
2023 cut slopes especially along the main earthworks cutting 3869-RE-KRI-208
between CH.13,800 to CH.14,000. ECERDC then -Notes of Discussion of
13
suggested that PMJSB make a earth bund as a Monthly Progress Meeting
temporary safety barrier for the safety of users on the No.10
existing road above.
20-Dec PMJSB suggests doing spot turfing in sloping area
2023 where hydroseeding method is not successful. While
3869-RE-KRI-276
the new slope area will continue to do hydroseeding
-Notes of Discussion of
14 because the work is faster. KLCPP asked ZLSB to make
Monthly Progress Meeting
the decision on the proposed remedial work and
No.13
reminds CKP to ensure that the work is under the
responsibility of PMJSB and does not need to be paid.
26-Dec Access cut-off at multiple locations due to continuous PMJ/E-
15
2023 heavy rain. KAHANG/1000/PMC/LTR/0333
16-Jan
16 PMJSB first notice the collapsed slope.
2024
18-Jan PMJ/E-
17 Site visit between PMJSB and ZLSB site team
2024 KAHANG/1000/PMC/LTR/0333
24-Jan PMJSB issue letter Notification of Collapsed Slope
18
2024 (Cutting Area)
Regarding collapsed slope around CH.14,000, ZLSB
requested PMJSB to furnish the followings:
i. The terrain beyond the top of slopes.
ii. Identify geometry and mapping of the
slope failure. Superimpose the cross 3869-RE-KRI-304
section of the original with the current -Notes of Discussion of
19
slopes failure. Monthly Progress Meeting
iii. Any water ponding on top of slopes, No.14
drainage condition beyond top of the
slopes.
iv. The difference of soil type (if any) between
the intact part and collapsed slopes.
06-Feb
20 2nd Site visit between PMJSB and ZLSB site team
2024
2
4. CAUSE OF FAILURE:
The slope failure occurred around CH.14,000, with the following contribu ng factors
iden fied:
i. Hydroseeding Method: The hydroseeding method used for slope stabilization may not
have been effective in certain areas, leading to inadequate slope protection and
stability.
ii. Weather Conditions: Continuous heavy rain resulted in access cutoff at multiple
locations, potentially exacerbating soil erosion and weakening slope integrity.
iii. Site Preparation, Slope Protection and Drainage: Inadequate site preparation,
including insufficient road formation, coupled with unprotected cut earth slope and
finished drainage maybe fill with sand sediment, may have compromised slope
stability.
iv. Geotechnical Factors: Variations in soil type between intact parts and collapsed
slopes, could have contributed to the failure.
3
5. FAULTS AND ISSUES IDENTIFIED IN THE PEMBINAAN MITRAJAYA’S REPORT:
Lack of Comprehensive Risk Assessment: The report fails to adequately address the
risk of slope failure despite the known presence of weak soils. There's no evidence of
a thorough risk assessment conducted prior to or during construction to identify
potential hazards and vulnerabilities.
Lack of Mitigation Measures: While the report suggests identifying weak soil zones
and high-water zones during slope formation, it fails to provide specific mitigation
measures or protocols to address these issues proactively. It merely suggests that such
measures should be provided in the future without offering actionable
recommendations for the current project.
Limited Investigation Depth: The investigation into the cause of slope failure appears
superficial, primarily attributing it to heavy rainfall and weak soils without delving into
more detailed analysis such as groundwater levels, geological composition, or slope
stability analysis. A more comprehensive investigation would provide a better
understanding of the contributing factors and inform appropriate remedial actions.
Lack of Continuous Monitoring: There's no mention of ongoing monitoring of slope
stability during construction or after heavy rainfall events, which could have
potentially detected early signs of instability and allowed for timely intervention to
prevent or mitigate slope failure. However, in this case the contractor informs the
access road is cut off due to the flood event and couldn’t continue with monitoring
activities.
Lack of Transparency Regarding Construction Discrepancies: The contractor's claim
that construction activities were carried out according to drawings and specifications
contradicts findings from the ZL report, which identified discrepancies such as the
presence of a ledge constructed at the base of the slope before the berm drain. This
raises concerns about the accuracy and transparency of the contractor's assertions
regarding adherence to project requirements and specifications.
Pictures Shown Berm Drain is Not Constructed as Construc on Drawing at Slope Failure Area
4
Misleading Comparison with JKR Practice: The report makes a comparison with JKR
practice regarding slope design ratios, implying that the contractor's design aligns with
industry standards. However, it fails to acknowledge that the project is not under JKR
jurisdiction and that the design was based on site-specific conditions and available soil
investigation data. This comparison could be misleading and may divert attention
from addressing the actual shortcomings in the design process.
6. CONCLUSION:
The slope failure during the construc on of the new road to Taman Negara Endau Rompin
highlights the importance of me culous planning, proper site prepara on, and effec ve slope
stabiliza on measures. Moving forward, it is impera ve to:
By adhering to these recommenda ons and integra ng lessons learned from this incident,
future slope works can minimize the risk of slope failures and uphold safety standards for all
stakeholders involved. Mi ga on for slope stabiliza on method also have been prepared in
specific report: Report on Distressed Cut Slope at CH13900 to CH14080 ECER Southern
Package (see Appendix B).