In the heart of Bursa’s Yıldırım district, a dramatic landslide has laid bare the perils of unchecked development, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of geotechnical considerations in urban planning. The Mollaarap landslide, which displaced approximately 80 households, has been the subject of a comprehensive study led by Özkan Coruk of Kocaeli University, shedding light on the causes and potential solutions for such disasters.
The landslide, which occurred due to uncontrolled excavations on a slope with inherent landslide potential, has highlighted the critical need for careful planning in the energy sector, where infrastructure projects often involve significant earthworks. “The disturbance of slope stability led to increased settling and deformations, ultimately resulting in a flow and sliding mass movement that affected a significant area,” Coruk explained. This event underscores the potential risks to energy infrastructure, such as pipelines and power lines, which could be severely damaged or disrupted by such geological events.
The study, published in the Pamukkale University Journal of Engineering Sciences, delves into the engineering geology of the region, revealing a complex interplay of geological units and geotechnical properties. Coruk and his team conducted extensive field and laboratory studies to determine the depth of the slip surface and the specific characteristics of the geological units involved. This detailed analysis is crucial for the energy sector, where understanding the subsurface conditions is vital for the safe and efficient construction of infrastructure.
One of the most compelling aspects of the study is the development of prevention and support projects tailored to the unique geotechnical properties of the site. The initial measure involved the construction of a support structure consisting of double rows of bored piles at the toe cut, followed by the implementation of a three-levelled support structure. This multi-tiered approach could serve as a blueprint for future energy projects in similar geological settings, emphasizing the importance of adaptive and site-specific solutions.
The Mollaarap landslide serves as a cautionary tale for the energy sector, where the stakes are high, and the consequences of unchecked development can be catastrophic. As Coruk noted, “This study is a typical example where uncontrolled excavations without consideration of engineering geology and geotechnical conditions cause serious costs and other grievances.” The lessons learned from this event could shape future developments in the field, emphasizing the need for thorough geotechnical assessments and adaptive engineering solutions.
As the energy sector continues to expand, the importance of integrating geotechnical considerations into planning and construction processes cannot be overstated. The Mollaarap landslide, and the subsequent research by Coruk, provide a valuable case study for the industry, highlighting the potential risks and offering practical solutions for mitigating them. By learning from this event, the energy sector can move towards a more sustainable and resilient future, where the safety of communities and the integrity of infrastructure are paramount.
