Landslides rumbled by engineering research

What caused the dramatic landslide that trapped 20 vehicles on the A85 in Glen Ogle in 2004, and what strategies could be used to reduce the potency of the landslide hazard?

This question has been the focus of research of Engineering and Physical Sciences PhD student, Fraser Milne, who was recently awarded top prize in a national competition for his work.

The establishment of a debris flow warning system based on weather forecasts, the use of road diversions, and engineering solutions such as debris canopies and traps are hazard reduction strategies Fraser believes could reduce risk to the public from landslides like that seen in Glen Ogle.

"The research is part of my PhD work on the effect of climate change on the debris flow hazard along the Scottish road network," Fraser said.

"Debris flow is a kind of landslide that happens quite a lot in Scotland. Occasionally they come across a road and the effects can be very dramatic, as was the case in Glen Ogle where 20 vehicles were trapped and 57 people had to be airlifted to safety."

"They are also becoming more frequent. They are usually triggered by intense rainfall and with climate change we can expect more extreme weather and heavier rainfall. I'm trying to understand what factors control where they happen and what can be done to manage future hazards."

Fraser, who has a degree in Geography and a Master of Research from the University, was awarded first prize by the Scottish Geotechnical Group and the Geological Society West of Scotland Group in a poster and presentation competition for his investigation into why the Glen Ogle landslide happened and his suggestions for future hazard management strategies.