Question

"In areas where a hazard exists, people can take certain steps to minimize the risk of mass wasting and improve slope stability. The figure below shows a road cut where 'shotcrete' (soil cement) is being applied. The primary purpose of this application of cement is to..."

a) Increase erosion control

b) Reduce soil stability

c) Prevent landslides

d) Enhance road aesthetics

Answer 1

The application of shotcrete or soil cement to a road cut is primarily done to prevent landslides by stabilizing the slope and holding the soil and rocks in place.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary purpose of applying shotcrete or soil cement to a road cut is to prevent landslides.

Shotcrete is a type of concrete which, when applied to slopes prone to mass wasting, helps to stabilize them by holding soil and rocks in place. The act of spraying concrete onto a slope is a an effective engineering practice aimed at improving slope stability and reducing the risk of landslides, rather than increasing erosion control, reducing soil stability, or enhancing road aesthetics. Applying shotcrete is one of the methods used by engineers to manage and mitigate landslide hazards, ensuring that slopes remain intact even during heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or other events that could potentially trigger mass wasting.