After many years of waiting we finally have evidence that justifies the effort and expense to halt the small landslide movement that has affected property owners. Chris Volksen of GTS (Geotechnical Testing Services) details in his recently released report the results of nearly six years of monitoring and testing of the berm that was constructed in 2012 for the purpose of halting the earth movement that affected 20 home owners at Gardens South and the two adjoining commercial properties. The report concludes that the earth movement was successfully halted as a result of the berm construction.
The report also provides engineering recommendations to further strengthen the berm by constructing a keyway and adding additional weight to the berm, thus improving the level of safety (fudge factor) from 1.25 as originally designed to more than 1.5 as per code. A method to make the berm permanent and protect the surface from erosion was included in the report along with specific designs from a structural engineer. In addition to the shot-crete method of protection as detailed in the report, GTS is currently in the process of recommending another option for protecting the face of the berm by stacking additional concrete retaining blocks like those that already are in place at the base of the berm. This method may actually prove to be more permanent and aesthetically pleasing than using shot-crete.
The report is currently being reviewed by the City of St. George and their representatives. Meanwhile, bids to determine the costs to implement the recommended modifications to the berm are also being being obtained. If approved by the City and property owners, construction may begin soon to make the berm stronger and permanently protect it from erosion. Once the berm is deemed safe and made permanent, it is the intention of the property owners to move forward to repair or replace, if feasible, the affected improvements in order to regain the use of their properties. The timeframe, cost and feasibility to do so has yet to be determined but we are starting to see progress and resolution to this disaster that has affected so many people.
A copy of the report is available for review at this link
