Professor Ben Leshchinsky’s research interests include landslides; use of soil reinforcement in earth retention, unpaved road improvement, slope stability and the mechanics of heavy equipment operating on soil. Ben’s research is based in a variety of disciplines, broadly encompassing geotechnical engineering, water resources, and forestry.

Presentation Topic

Interaction of Steep Slope Equipment with Soil Resources

Presentation Description

Safe and acceptable operation of heavy equipment on steep slopes requires consideration of equipment operative configuration and soil conditions. Operative factors that affect safety are machine orientation and soil disturbance are cable, or “tether” assistance, site soil and moisture conditions, and slope. This presentation will take two basic, technical perspectives to evaluate the operation of tethered equipment on steep slopes: a safety perspective and a soil disturbance perspective. Beneficial and adverse operative conditions will be addressed for both priorities.