In the heart of South Sumatra, a recent slope failure along Jalan Muaradua in the Kotabatu District of OKU Selatan has sparked significant interest in the construction and energy sectors. The incident, which occurred after three days of heavy rain in July 2022, has led to a comprehensive stability analysis published in the Indonesian journal *Jurnal Teknik Sipil* (Civil Engineering Journal). The research, led by Ari Daman Haris from the Universitas Bina Darma’s Graduate Program in Civil Engineering, sheds light on the complex interplay between infrastructure development and natural slope stability.
The study focuses on a natural slope that was cut to accommodate the construction of a new road below an existing one. Initial stability analyses indicated that the slope was stable both before (FoS = 1.694) and after construction (FoS = 1.423). However, the subsequent heavy rainfall triggered a collapse, reducing the safety factor to a critical 0.973. “The failure plane started at the crest of the slope, right in the middle of the existing road, and ended at the toe,” explains Haris. This observation underscores the importance of considering long-term environmental factors in infrastructure projects.
The research highlights several critical factors that contributed to the slope failure. Increased pore water pressure due to rainwater seepage and the formation of cracks on the ground surface were identified as key triggers. “Seepage analysis showed a significant increase in pore water pressure, which ultimately led to the slope’s instability,” Haris notes. This finding is particularly relevant for the energy sector, where infrastructure development often involves cutting slopes and altering natural landscapes.
The remedial measures implemented after the failure included realigning the existing road, strengthening the toe of the slope with a retaining structure, covering the slope surface with vegetation, and arranging surface drainage. These steps not only address the immediate stability issues but also provide a model for future infrastructure projects in similar geological settings.
The implications of this research extend beyond South Sumatra. As infrastructure development continues to expand, particularly in the energy sector, understanding the long-term impacts of slope cutting and environmental factors becomes crucial. “This study serves as a reminder that infrastructure projects must consider not only immediate stability but also long-term environmental impacts,” Haris emphasizes.
The findings published in *Jurnal Teknik Sipil* offer valuable insights for engineers, planners, and policymakers involved in infrastructure development. By integrating advanced stability analyses and environmental considerations, future projects can mitigate risks and ensure long-term sustainability. As the energy sector continues to grow, the lessons learned from this research will be instrumental in shaping safer and more resilient infrastructure.