IS 14680 : 1999Landslide Control - Guidelines

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FHWA-NHI-17 · GEO Publication No. 1/2011 · BS 6031

CurrentSpecializedGuidelinesBIMGeotechnical · Hill Area Development Engineering

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

IS 14680:1999 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for landslide control - guidelines. This standard provides comprehensive guidelines for the investigation, analysis, and implementation of control measures for landslides in hill areas. It covers a wide range of corrective and preventive techniques including drainage, retaining structures, slope modification, and bio-engineering. It serves as a fundamental reference for engineers and geologists involved in infrastructure projects in mountainous and geologically unstable terrains.

Landslide Control - Guidelines

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Specialized
Domain: Geotechnical — Hill Area Development Engineering
Type: Guidelines

International equivalents

FHWA-NHI-17-047 · Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), USA GEO Publication No. 1/2011 · Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO), Hong Kong SAR BS 6031:2009 · British Standards Institution (BSI), UK EN 1997-1:2004 · European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe

Typically used with

IS 2720 IS 456

Also on InfraLens for IS 14680

6Key values 4Tables 5FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes

! Drainage (both surface and sub-surface) is often the single most effective and economical landslide control measure; its importance cannot be overstated.

! The selection of a control measure is highly site-specific and requires a thorough geotechnical investigation. A combination of measures is often more effective than a single solution.

! Bio-engineering methods are cost-effective for shallow, surficial slides but are not suitable for deep-seated failures.

Frequently referenced clauses

Cl. 4Landslide Investigation Cl. 5Landslide Analysis Cl. 6Landslide Control Measures Cl. 6.2Drainage Measures Cl. 6.3Earth Retaining Structures Cl. 6.6Rockfall Control Measures

soilrockgeosyntheticsgabionsshotcretesoil nails

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards

FHWA-NHI-17-047Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), USA

HighCurrent

Landslides: Investigation and Mitigation, Reference Manual

Comprehensive manual covering landslide investigation, analysis, monitoring, and mitigation, aligning closely with IS 14680's guideline approach.

GEO Publication No. 1/2011Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO), Hong Kong SAR

HighCurrent

Geotechnical Manual for Slopes (Second Edition)

Provides extensive guidance on slope investigation, design, and maintenance, with a strong focus on risk assessment, similar to the intent of the IS code.

BS 6031:2009British Standards Institution (BSI), UK

MediumCurrent

Code of practice for earthworks

Covers design, construction, and maintenance of earth slopes and retaining structures, but within a broader 'earthworks' context rather than solely landslide control.

EN 1997-1:2004European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe

LowCurrent

Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design - Part 1: General rules

Focuses on the detailed limit state design principles for geotechnical structures, including slopes, rather than providing broad control guidelines like the IS code.

Key Differences

≠IS 14680 is a high-level guideline providing a catalogue of measures, whereas modern standards like Eurocode 7 are mandatory design codes based on Limit State Design (LSD) with partial factors of safety.

≠The Indian standard (1999) has limited guidance on quantitative risk assessment (QRA), which is a central theme in modern international practice, particularly in Hong Kong's GEO manuals.

≠IS 14680's coverage of seismic analysis is based on the simpler pseudo-static method. Modern FHWA and Japanese guidelines offer more advanced options, including displacement-based analysis and site-specific seismic hazard inputs.

≠International standards like the FHWA-NHI-17-047 provide more detailed guidance on modern investigation and monitoring technologies such as LiDAR, InSAR, and automated total stations, which are not explicitly covered in the 1999 Indian code.

Key Similarities

≈All standards are based on fundamental soil and rock mechanics principles and typically advocate using limit equilibrium methods (e.g., Bishop's, Janbu's) for initial slope stability analysis.

≈The general classification of landslides (e.g., slides, falls, flows, topples), often based on the Varnes classification system, is a common starting point in both IS 14680 and its international counterparts.

≈The 'toolbox' of corrective and preventive measures, including surface/subsurface drainage, retaining structures, soil reinforcement (anchors, nailing), and bio-engineering, is conceptually similar across all standards.

≈All documents emphasize the critical importance of a thorough site investigation, including geological mapping, drilling, and laboratory testing, as the foundation for any landslide control design.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IS Value	International	Source
Min. Factor of Safety (FoS) for Permanent Slopes, Static	1.4 to 1.5 for slopes with high consequence of failure (Clause 7.2.1.1)	1.5 for long-term stability of new slopes where failure has serious consequences.	FHWA-NHI-17-047
Min. Factor of Safety (FoS) for Slopes, Pseudo-static Seismic	≥ 1.0 (Clause 7.2.2.1)	≥ 1.1 is commonly recommended, though displacement analysis is preferred.	FHWA-NHI-17-047
Rock Anchor/Bolt Proof Test Load	Proof test load is 1.2 times the design load (as per related code IS 14593).	Proof tests are typically performed to 1.25 times the design load.	FHWA Geotechnical Engineering Circular No. 4
Design Life for Permanent Control Works	Not explicitly specified numerically; states it 'should be decided' based on importance.	Specified in design classes; typically 50 years for conventional structures, 100+ years for critical infrastructure.	EN 1990 (Basis of Structural Design)
Maximum Slope for Unreinforced Bio-engineering (Vegetation)	Generally effective for slopes gentler than 1V:1.5H (33.7°). (Annex B)	Considered most effective on slopes gentler than 1V:1.5H; steeper slopes require integration with structural measures.	GEO Publication No. 1/2011
Design Approach	Permissible Stress / Working Stress Method (using global FoS).	Limit State Design (LSD) using partial factors on loads and material properties.	EN 1997-1:2004

⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values

Minimum Factor of Safety for permanent slopes (static)1.5

Minimum Factor of Safety for permanent slopes (seismic)1.1

Minimum Factor of Safety for temporary slopes1.2

Typical inclination of soil nails from horizontal10 to 20 degrees

Typical slope of surface drains> 1 in 200

Recommended crest width for check dams0.6 to 1.2 m

Key Formulas

FoS = Resisting Forces / Driving Forces — Fundamental principle of slope stability analysis.

F = [Σ (c'l + (W cosα - ul) tanφ')] / [Σ W sinα] — General formula for Factor of Safety using Method of Slices (simplified).

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables

Table 1 - Classification of Mass Movements

Table 2 - Factors Causing Landslides

Table 3 - Sub-surface Exploration for Different Stages of Project

Table 4 - Suitability of Retaining Structures for Landslide Control

Key Clauses

Clause 4 - Landslide Investigation

Clause 5 - Landslide Analysis

Clause 6 - Landslide Control Measures

Clause 6.2 - Drainage Measures

Clause 6.3 - Earth Retaining Structures

Clause 6.6 - Rockfall Control Measures

Frequently Asked Questions5

What is the first step in landslide control?+

A thorough geotechnical investigation to understand the type, cause, and mechanism of the slide is the essential first step (Clause 4).

What is the recommended Factor of Safety (FoS) for a permanent slope?+

A minimum FoS of 1.5 is generally required for permanent slopes under static conditions (Clause 5.3).

What are the main categories of landslide control measures?+

The code outlines four main categories: Drainage, Retaining Structures, Slope Geometry Modification, and Internal Slope Reinforcement (Clause 6).

When are gabion walls suitable?+

Gabion walls are flexible structures suitable for areas with potential for differential settlement and are often used as retaining walls or check dams (Clause 6.3.2 and Table 4).

Does this code cover snow avalanches?+

No, this code specifically addresses mass movements of soil and rock. Snow avalanches are excluded from its scope (Clause 1.2).

QA/QC Inspection Templates

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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.

Browse all 300 templates →

IS 14680 : 1999Landslide Control - Guidelines

PDF Google Compare BIS Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

FHWA-NHI-17 · GEO Publication No. 1/2011 · BS 6031

CurrentSpecializedGuidelinesBIMGeotechnical · Hill Area Development Engineering

PDF Google Compare BIS Portal

Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details

Landslide Control - Guidelines

Overview

Status: Current
Usage level: Specialized
Domain: Geotechnical — Hill Area Development Engineering
Type: Guidelines

International equivalents

Typically used with

IS 2720 IS 456

Also on InfraLens for IS 14680

6Key values 4Tables 5FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes

! Drainage (both surface and sub-surface) is often the single most effective and economical landslide control measure; its importance cannot be overstated.

! The selection of a control measure is highly site-specific and requires a thorough geotechnical investigation. A combination of measures is often more effective than a single solution.

! Bio-engineering methods are cost-effective for shallow, surficial slides but are not suitable for deep-seated failures.

Frequently referenced clauses

Cl. 4Landslide Investigation Cl. 5Landslide Analysis Cl. 6Landslide Control Measures Cl. 6.2Drainage Measures Cl. 6.3Earth Retaining Structures Cl. 6.6Rockfall Control Measures

soilrockgeosyntheticsgabionsshotcretesoil nails

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards

FHWA-NHI-17-047Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), USA

HighCurrent

Landslides: Investigation and Mitigation, Reference Manual

Comprehensive manual covering landslide investigation, analysis, monitoring, and mitigation, aligning closely with IS 14680's guideline approach.

GEO Publication No. 1/2011Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO), Hong Kong SAR

HighCurrent

Geotechnical Manual for Slopes (Second Edition)

Provides extensive guidance on slope investigation, design, and maintenance, with a strong focus on risk assessment, similar to the intent of the IS code.

BS 6031:2009British Standards Institution (BSI), UK

MediumCurrent

Code of practice for earthworks

Covers design, construction, and maintenance of earth slopes and retaining structures, but within a broader 'earthworks' context rather than solely landslide control.

EN 1997-1:2004European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe

LowCurrent

Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design - Part 1: General rules

Focuses on the detailed limit state design principles for geotechnical structures, including slopes, rather than providing broad control guidelines like the IS code.

Key Differences

≠The Indian standard (1999) has limited guidance on quantitative risk assessment (QRA), which is a central theme in modern international practice, particularly in Hong Kong's GEO manuals.

Key Similarities

≈All standards are based on fundamental soil and rock mechanics principles and typically advocate using limit equilibrium methods (e.g., Bishop's, Janbu's) for initial slope stability analysis.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	IS Value	International	Source
Min. Factor of Safety (FoS) for Permanent Slopes, Static	1.4 to 1.5 for slopes with high consequence of failure (Clause 7.2.1.1)	1.5 for long-term stability of new slopes where failure has serious consequences.	FHWA-NHI-17-047
Min. Factor of Safety (FoS) for Slopes, Pseudo-static Seismic	≥ 1.0 (Clause 7.2.2.1)	≥ 1.1 is commonly recommended, though displacement analysis is preferred.	FHWA-NHI-17-047
Rock Anchor/Bolt Proof Test Load	Proof test load is 1.2 times the design load (as per related code IS 14593).	Proof tests are typically performed to 1.25 times the design load.	FHWA Geotechnical Engineering Circular No. 4
Design Life for Permanent Control Works	Not explicitly specified numerically; states it 'should be decided' based on importance.	Specified in design classes; typically 50 years for conventional structures, 100+ years for critical infrastructure.	EN 1990 (Basis of Structural Design)
Maximum Slope for Unreinforced Bio-engineering (Vegetation)	Generally effective for slopes gentler than 1V:1.5H (33.7°). (Annex B)	Considered most effective on slopes gentler than 1V:1.5H; steeper slopes require integration with structural measures.	GEO Publication No. 1/2011
Design Approach	Permissible Stress / Working Stress Method (using global FoS).	Limit State Design (LSD) using partial factors on loads and material properties.	EN 1997-1:2004

⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values

Minimum Factor of Safety for permanent slopes (static)1.5

Minimum Factor of Safety for permanent slopes (seismic)1.1

Minimum Factor of Safety for temporary slopes1.2

Typical inclination of soil nails from horizontal10 to 20 degrees

Typical slope of surface drains> 1 in 200

Recommended crest width for check dams0.6 to 1.2 m

Key Formulas

FoS = Resisting Forces / Driving Forces — Fundamental principle of slope stability analysis.

F = [Σ (c'l + (W cosα - ul) tanφ')] / [Σ W sinα] — General formula for Factor of Safety using Method of Slices (simplified).

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables

Table 1 - Classification of Mass Movements

Table 2 - Factors Causing Landslides

Table 3 - Sub-surface Exploration for Different Stages of Project

Table 4 - Suitability of Retaining Structures for Landslide Control

Key Clauses

Clause 4 - Landslide Investigation

Clause 5 - Landslide Analysis

Clause 6 - Landslide Control Measures

Clause 6.2 - Drainage Measures

Clause 6.3 - Earth Retaining Structures

Clause 6.6 - Rockfall Control Measures

Frequently Asked Questions5

What is the first step in landslide control?+

A thorough geotechnical investigation to understand the type, cause, and mechanism of the slide is the essential first step (Clause 4).

What is the recommended Factor of Safety (FoS) for a permanent slope?+

A minimum FoS of 1.5 is generally required for permanent slopes under static conditions (Clause 5.3).

What are the main categories of landslide control measures?+

The code outlines four main categories: Drainage, Retaining Structures, Slope Geometry Modification, and Internal Slope Reinforcement (Clause 6).

When are gabion walls suitable?+

Gabion walls are flexible structures suitable for areas with potential for differential settlement and are often used as retaining walls or check dams (Clause 6.3.2 and Table 4).

Does this code cover snow avalanches?+

No, this code specifically addresses mass movements of soil and rock. Snow avalanches are excluded from its scope (Clause 1.2).

QA/QC Inspection Templates

📋

QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.

Browse all 300 templates →

IS 14680 : 1999Landslide Control - Guidelines

Overview

International Equivalents

Key Values6

Tables & Referenced Sections

Related Resources on InfraLens

Frequently Asked Questions5

QA/QC Inspection Templates

IS 14680 : 1999Landslide Control - Guidelines

Overview

International Equivalents

Key Values6

Tables & Referenced Sections

Related Resources on InfraLens

Frequently Asked Questions5

QA/QC Inspection Templates