Greer, SC – BLE was engaged by the City of Greer to evaluate and design repairs for a slope failure along a roadway connecting West Wade Hampton Boulevard to a local animal hospital. The approximately 20-foot-tall slope experienced shallow sloughing during heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Helene. Although the pavement was not immediately impacted, continued erosion posed a long-term risk to the roadway, nearby utilities, and access to the adjacent facility. The repair area extended roughly 50 feet along the roadway and was constrained by the roadway at the crest and a stream corridor at the toe.
Investigation & Design Approach
BLE performed a targeted geotechnical exploration to characterize the shallow failure and evaluate stabilization options. Given the site constraints—including the roadway, utilities, stream corridor, and variable fill materials—BLE developed and compared several alternatives, including an MSE wall, a soil nail wall, and a reinforced vegetated slope using Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs).
Structural wall systems were determined to be more invasive and costly due to excavation beneath the roadway and utilities, as well as construction challenges adjacent to the stream. Based on these factors, BLE advanced the TRM solution as the preferred alternative and completed the signed and sealed design along with construction observation services.
Selected Solution and Construction
BLE recommended a reinforced vegetated slope using TRMs supported by percussion-driven anchors. The repair involved removing failed soils, placing and compacting engineered fill, and installing the TRM system against the prepared slope surface.
The solution provided long-term stability without the need for intrusive structural walls. Construction was completed in approximately one week, with one lane maintained for continued access to the animal hospital.
Project Outcome
The TRM solution delivered a cost-effective, minimally invasive repair that met the City’s performance, schedule, and budget objectives. The project was completed for less than $50,000, avoided impacts to the roadway and utilities, and preserved the natural appearance of the corridor while providing a scalable approach for future slope stabilization.