What should be done if there are signs of distress in a slope?

When there are signs of distress in a slope, it indicates that the integrity of the slope may be compromised, which poses a risk to the safety of operations and the surrounding environment. Cutting back the slope to a less steep angle is a proactive measure that helps to reduce the forces acting on the slope, which can potentially lead to landslides or further destabilization.

By reducing the steepness, the weight of the soil and the water runoff are managed more effectively, which helps to balance the gravitational forces with the shear strength of the soil. This process often involves reworking the slope to create a more stable, gentler angle that is less susceptible to erosion and failure.

While halting operations may be necessary in certain situations, it is not always a sufficient long-term solution without addressing the underlying issue of slope distress. Reinforcing the slope with concrete might provide temporary support, but it does not solve problems related to underlying soil stability or drainage. Therefore, cutting back to a less steep angle is the most effective and practical approach to ensuring safety and stability in the context of slope management.