Thesis (MTech (Civil Engineering))--Cape Technikon, 1992. / In the Western Cape, gully ("donga") erosion is characteristic of the Swartland area where the effects
of the problem have reached spectacular dimensions.
In 1942 the Social and Economic Planning Council commissioned an investigation into the distribution
and prevention of gully erosion. This investigation was led by Professor W J Talbot of the University of
Cape Town, with the collaboration of researchers from the University of Stellenbosch. This led to the
"Swartland and Sandveld" publication in August 1945.
Little progress has since been made. The gullies identified by Prof Talbot's team remain to this day.
In most cases they have grown even longer and deeper.
The present investigation aims to study a typical network in one catchment area and to propose
measures for the reclamation or stabilization of gullies. Such measures must not only be effective but
also economically justifiable.
In reclaiming or stabilizing a donga, a key factor is the establishment of a foundation structure. Such
a structure is essential for supporting semi-permanent structures and promoting the growth of grass and
bushes. At present, however, no satisfactory methods are known for the design and construction of supporting
walls In narrow, deep dongas, other than those methods that require a rock foundation. Furthermore,
conventional methods would require a buttress of length 17 m for a retaining wall of height 4,4 m. The
amount of concrete needed, would clearly be excessive. It is therefore one of the aims of this study to
develop a retaining wall with a relatively short buttress.
If finances permit, the retaining structure, will be built and the stabilization process carefully monitored
for possible applications in the future.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:cput/oai:localhost:20.500.11838/2171 |
| Date | January 1992 |
| Creators | Germishuys, Hendrik Johannes |
| Publisher | Cape Technikon |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | af_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/za/ |
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