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COMMONWEALTH OF

WILLIAM B. HAZELRIGG DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS

COMMISSIONER FRANKFORT,KENTUCKY 40601 ADDRESS REPLY TO

H-2-16

MEMO TO: A. 0. Neiser, State Highway Engineer Chairman, Research Committee

DATE: April 25, 1968

SUBJECT: Landslides: Geological Correlation

Research Report: 11 The Crab Orchard and Osgood Formations, 11 R. C. Deen KYHPR-63-16; HPR-1(3), Part II

A conspicuous similarity between certain roadway slides which have occurred in our outer Bluegrass Area has emerged during the past two or three years. Searching inquiries have further disclosed a geological similitude- -which associates the eastern with the western . Academically speaking, we understand that fauna do not correlate well (except in the Brassfield , which com­ prises the basal layer both east and west); for this reason, geologists continue to identify them by separate names but imply an epochal relationship. The question concerning the possibility of former continuity of these strata across the Cincinnati Arch remains academic. From an engineering standpoint, they are materially and stratigraphically the same. Regardless of which series of names may be assigned, it appears that these greenish are untrustworthy in any conceivable form of roadway earthwork--including embankment foundations. Consequently, I asked Dr. Deen to compile the specific case histories and to document pertinent information for the benefit of Design, Construction, and Maintenance. His report is submitted herewith.

Borings are now being made at the site of the major slide west of Irvine (KY 52). Judging from new roadway excavation exposures to the im­ mediate east and more remotely to the west, the Brassfield limestone lies per­ haps 20 to 30 feet below the bottom-land level. If the roadway is reconstructed on the present line, it will have to remain perched on the Estill and Lulbegrud Shales. Benches may become slippery quite soon after they are stripped. We feel that this is a case where everything will worsen with time--that is to say, stability will decay through exposure, disturbance, and intrusion of ground waters. The Waco Limestone, if present, would provide the most favorable

R. R. Brandon, Brandon, Director, Director, Division Division of of Data Data Processing Processing

G. G. F. F. Kemper, Kemper, Director, Director, Division Division of of Construction Construction

C. C. G. G. Cook, Cook, Director, Director, Division Division of of Bridges Bridges

J. J. R. R. Harbison, Harbison, Program Program Management Management Engineer Engineer

K. K. B. B. Johns, Johns, Operations Operations Management Management Engineer Engineer

J. J. T. T. Anderson, Anderson, Projects Projects Management Management Engineer Engineer

W. W. B. B. Drake, Drake, Assistant Assistant State State Highway Highway Engineer Engineer

R. R. 0. 0. Beauchamp, Beauchamp, Assistant Assistant State State Highway Highway Engineer Engineer

cc's: cc's: Research Research Committee Committee

JHH/em JHH/em

Director Director of of Research Research

Jas. Jas. H. H. Havens Havens

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on on the the Mountain Mountain Parkway Parkway (page (page 27 27 of of the the report). report).

instability instability on on KY KY 52 52 in in the the vicinity vicinity of of Waco- -which -which are are quite quite similar similar to to the the slide slide

De De en's en's report report fails fails to to mention mention earlier earlier instances instances of of tv.o tv.o embankment embankment

attributable attributable to to the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Shales. Shales.

was was removed removed (undercut) (undercut) an.d an.d refilled. refilled. In In this this case, case, the the trouble trouble was was only only indirectly indirectly

water water table. table. The The problem problem was was that that the the silt silt could could not not be be compacted. compacted. The The material material

silts. silts. appears appears that that the the It It silt silt overlayed overlayed the the , shale, and and this this caused caused a a perched perched

zone--created zone--created a a situation situation very very much much like like that that experienced experienced in in the the western western Kentucky Kentucky

just just north north of of Berea. Berea. There, There, a a silty silty soil- -apparently -apparently deposited deposited in in a a down-faulted down-faulted

only only problem problem that that has has come come to to our our attention attention in in connection connection with with these these projects projects was was

801. 801. and and KY KY Maps Maps indicate indicate outcrops outcrops along along I I 71 71 in in the the vicinity vicinity of of LaGrange. LaGrange. The The

of of Berea. Berea. They They may may have have already already been been encountered encountered on on I I 64 64 between between Owingsville Owingsville

These These shales shales were were encountered encountered in in the the construction construction of of I 7 5 5 7 I north north

Deen' Deen' s s report. report.

attached attached hereto. hereto. This This memo memo pertains pertains to to one one of of the the case case studies studies included included in in

randum randum concerning concerning the the location location of of a a new new section section 10, 10, of of KY KY in in Lewis Lewis County, County, is is

As As a a matter matter of of parallel parallel interest, interest, a a copy copy of of an an inter-office inter-office memo­

staged staged or or phased. phased.

the the cost cost of of relocating relocating seems seems too too great, great, I I suggest suggest that that the the reconstruction reconstruction be be

along along the the grade. grade. Reconstruction Reconstruction will will undoubtedly undoubtedly involve involve considerable considerable risk. risk. If If

cutoffs cutoffs should should be be constructed constructed along along the the upper upper side side of of the the road road and and transversely transversely

developed developed some some natural natural internal internal drainage drainage in in the the form form of of piping piping or or veins, veins, and and

borings borings have have not not revealed revealed the the presence presence of of Waco Waco ledges. ledges. These These shales shales have have

bench bench cap; cap; even even so, so, fissures fissures and and cracks cracks or or holes holes should should be be plugged. plugged. Thus Thus far, far,

A. A. 0. 0. Neiser Neiser -2- April April 25, 25, 1968 1968 A. 0. Neiser -3- April 25, 1968

E. B. Gaither, Director, Division of Design T. J. Hopgood, Director, Division of Maintenance H. G. Mays, Director, Division of Materials J. M. Carigan, Director, Division of Photogrammetry J. W. Fehr, Director, Division of Planning C. H. Bradley, Director, Division of Right of Way K. C. Arnold, Director, Division of Roadside Development .F~.,-Farmer, Director, Division of Service and Supply W. G. Galloway, Director, Division of Traffic District Engineers J. 0. Gray, # l, Paducah A. W. Clements, # 2, Madisonville H. J. Padgett, # 3, Bowling Green H. R. Ditto, # 4, Elizabethtown R. C. Aldrich, # 5, Louisville ;:-"")- G.--e:-Iocnurn, # 6, Covington R. A. Johns on, # 7, Lexington J. P. Noonan,# 8, Somerset S. B. Riddle, # 9, Flemingsburg

B. A. Knight, # 10, Jackson A .JA:. () 'tv~~ :8:-V; Hilton, # 11, Manchester W. Bayes, # 12, Pikeville R. E. Johnson, Division Engineer, Bureau of Public Roads D. K. Blythe, Chairman, Department of Civil Engineering, Dean, College of Engineering, U. of Ky.

Attachments

subsurface subsurface conditions. conditions. Se·t·tlement Se·t·tlement should should be be expec·ted; expec·ted; but but

channel channel should should minimize minimize any any risk risk of of embankment embankment failure failure due due to to

a a reasonable reasonable distance distance between between the the embankment embankment and and ·the ·the stream stream

alternate. alternate. Modest Modest fill-heights, fill-heights, wide wide embankment-slopes, embankment-slopes, and and

The The bottom bottom location location seems seems to to be be the the only only possible possible

desirable. desirable. Riprap Riprap may may be be needed needed at at certain certain points. points.

improvements. improvements. Embankment Embankment slopes slopes of of 4:1 4:1 or or even even 6:1 6:1 seem seem

material material needed needed may, may, therefore, therefore, dete:rmine dete:rmine ·the ·the extent extent of of channel channel

maintained maintained well well above above flood flood level, level, and and ·the ·the amoun·t amoun·t of of fill fill

as as to to empty empty at at natural natural drainage drainage points. points. The The grade grade should should be be

event, event, di·tches di·tches should should be be constructed constructed along along t.he t.he north north side side so so

re-filled re-filled in in order order ·to ·to avoid avoid impoundment impoundment of of water; water; and, and, in in any any

throughout. throughout. Abandoned Abandoned channels channels on on the the north north side side might might be be

Sal·t Sal·t Lick Lick Creek Creek would would remain remain on on the the south south side side of of the the roadway roadway

needed needed on on the the main main line. line. The The channels channels of of Li·ttle Li·ttle Branch Branch and and

embankments. embankments. No No additional additional bridges bridges or or culverts culverts appear appear to to be be

of of material material from from channel channel improvements improvements to to construc·t construc·t the the roadway roadway

necessarily necessarily and and principally, principally, upon upon channel channel changes changes and and the the use use

lands; lands; and and the the feasibility feasibility of of this this location location is is contingent, contingent,

The The alternate alternate corridor corridor lies lies wholly wholly within within the the bot·tom bot·tom

of of cost:s cost:s and and feasibility feasibility will will be be made made by by your your staff. staff.

herewith. herewith. It It .is .is my my understanding understanding that that preliminary preliminary estimates estimates

propose propose an an alternate alternate line line or or corridor--which corridor--which is is submi·tted submi·tted

formation formation at at several several points. points. The The matter matter was was left left ·to ·to me me t:o t:o

the the hills. hills. That That line line involves involves cuts cuts and and fills fills .in .in and and on on this this

Crab Crab Orchard Orchard formation formation which which outcrops outcrops along along the the lower lower slopes slopes of of

this this sec·tion sec·tion of of road road be be .if .if ted ted far far enough enough to to avoid avoid the the sh sh ·treacherous ·treacherous

recommendation recommendation that that proposed proposed line line drawn drawn by by the the consultant consultant for for

Messers Messers Lukin, Lukin, Dwyer, Dwyer, and and Armit.idge Armit.idge attended, attended, I I submitted submitted a a

At At a a design-cons·truction design-cons·truction meeting, meeting, March March l, l, 1968, 1968, which which

Sta. Sta. 291+00 291+00 to to Sta. Sta. 651+97.02 651+97.02

Lewis Lewis Coun·ty, Coun·ty, SP SP 68-114 68-114

SUBJECT: SUBJECT: KY KY 10, 10, Maysville-Vanceburg Maysville-Vanceburg Road Road

DATE: DATE: March March 25, 25, 1968 1968

Division Division of of Research Research

FROM: FROM: Jas. Jas. H. H. Havens, Havens, Director Director

.Flemingsburg, .Flemingsburg, Kentucky Kentucky

District District Engineer Engineer

MEMO MEMO TO: TO: S.B. S.B. Riddle Riddle Mr. Riddle -2- March 25, 1968

it is not likely ·to be any more severe than that which might. be encountered at the two bridge sit.es on ·the consultant's line (Sta. 487+ and Sta. 510+) , Improvement of drainage as necessary to construc·t the road may enh:o,nce the agr:icul tural value of the bottom land along ·the route. Channel changes were required already at two sites along the consult.ant' s line.

I am aware now that earlier re-con.s·truction on KY 10, west of ·the s'libjec·t project, traversed the Crab Orcha:r·d shales; unfortunately, I had no opportunity or compelling reason to visit the project or to be familiar wi·th ·the work; however, we would be ve:r:y interested in knowing of any difficulties (slides) encountered there during construction or aft.erward.

We note that ·the Crab Orchard dips underground .in the vicinity of Clarksburg; for some dis·tance beyond there (toward Vanceburg), any fu·ture re-const.ruction should be completely side-hill or bottom locat.ions--tha·t .is, avoid locations at the toe of the h.ill--·especially where portions of an. embankment might rest on talus or· alluvium.

In recent months, we have been. able to correlate the occurran.ce of slides w.it.h the Crab Orchard formation ·to such a degree that it now seems .impruden·t to loca·te a road along i·ts contacts.

The upper reaches of ·the offensive format.. ion :is shown by arrow points on the base map.

The line we have drawn .is violable--as is t.he channel line, et.c.

JHH:em Attachments cc: J.T. Anderson E.B. Gaither H.G. Mays

Ap:ril Ap:ril 1968 1968

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Bu:reau Bu:reau of of Public Public Roads Roads

Federal Federal Hi9hway Hi9hway Administration Administration

s. s. U. U. Department Department of of Transportation Transportation

In In Cooperation Cooperation with with the the

Commonwealth Commonwealth of of Kentucky Kentucky

DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT OF OF HIGHWAYS HIGHWAYS

Division Division of of Resea:rch Resea:rch

Assistant Assistant Di:recto:r Di:recto:r of of Resea:rch Resea:rch

c. c. Robe:rt Robe:rt Deen Deen

by by

KYHPR-63-16, KYHPR-63-16, HPR-1(3} HPR-1(3}

The The Case Case Fo:r Fo:r Slope Slope Instability Instability

THE THE CRAB CRAB ORCHARD ORCHARD AND AND OSGOOD OSGOOD FORMATION FORMATION

Resea:rch Resea:rch Repo:rt Repo:rt

weathers weathers to to a a yellowish-brown yellowish-brown or or grayish-orange. grayish-orange. The The dolomite dolomite beds beds range range

gray, gray, white-olive, white-olive, or or greenish-gray greenish-gray fine- to to medium-grained medium-grained material material which which

deposit deposit ranging ranging between between 0 0 to to 14 14 feet feet in in thickness. thickness. The The dolomite dolomite is is a a light light

Above Above the the Plum Plum Creek Creek is is the the Oldham Oldham Member, Member, a a dolomite dolomite and and shale shale

50 50 percent. percent. The The unit, unit, when when exposed, exposed, forms forms gentle gentle slopes, slopes,

is is less less than than 20 20 percent percent of of member member the the but but locally locally may may compose compose as as much much as as

discontinuous discontinuous beds beds from from 1/4 1/4 to to several several inches inches thick. thick. The The dolomite dolomite commonly commonly

ing ing to to yellowish-brown, yellowish-brown, fine- to to medium-grained medium-grained material. material. It It occurs occurs in in

is is very very plastic plastic and and swells swells when when wet. wet. The The dolomite dolomite is is a a light light gray, gray, weather­

The The shale shale is is a a yellowish-green yellowish-green to to grayish-olive, grayish-olive, thin-bedded thin-bedded material material which which

Creek Creek Member, Member, a a shale shale and and dolomite dolomite deposit deposit two two to to ten ten feet feet in in thickness. thickness.

At At the the baseofthe baseofthe Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation (see (see Figure Figure 1) 1) is is the the Plum Plum

found found in in the the lower lower part part of of the the Tradewater. Tradewater.

stones stones are are subordinate subordinate and and tend tend to to be be fine fine grained grained and and shaley shaley and and are are usually usually

with with interbeds interbeds of of sandstone and and coal coal and and associated associated underclays. underclays. The The sand­

Western Western Kentucky Kentucky Parmvay. Parmvay. The The Tradewater Tradewater is is predominantly predominantly a a shale shale formation formation

has has been been identified identified as as the the troublesome troublesome material material involved involved in in slides slides on on the the

Kentucky, Kentucky, the the Tradewater Tradewater Formation, Formation, also also of of the the upper upper Pottsville Pottsville Series Series

associated associated directly directly with with the the occurrence occurrence of of these these landslides, landslides, In In Western Western

formation formation often often contains contains layers layers of of coal coal and and associated associated underclays, underclays, which which are are

Breathitt Breathitt Formation, Formation, a a succession succession of of shales shales and and . limestones. This This particular particular

slides slides have have occurred occurred on on highways highways from from Bell Bell County County through through Boyd Boyd County County in in the the

also also highly highly susceptible susceptible to to landslides, landslides, In In Eastern Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, a a number number of of

tions tions of of Pennsylvanian age, age, particularly particularly of of the the Pottsville Pottsville Series, Series, are are

Experience Experience over over the the past past few few years years also also suggests suggests that that certain certain forma­

the the Rockcastle, Rockcastle, Rarden, Rarden, Fleming, Fleming, and and Fawcett Fawcett series. series.

of of dolomite. dolomite. Soils Soils which which typically typically develop develop from from these these formations formations include include

Formations Formations are are primarily primarily shale shale deposits deposits with with some some thin, thin, discontinuous discontinuous beds beds

mapped mapped in in the the western western portion portion of of Kentucky. Kentucky. The The Crab Crab Orchard Orchard and and Osgood Osgood

portion portion of of the the State State and and correlates correlates geologically geologically with with the the Osgood Osgood Formation Formation

a a deposit deposit some some 50 50 to to 120 120 feet feet thick, thick, is is extensively extensively mapped mapped in in the the eastern eastern

was was deposited deposited during during the the middle middle Silurian age. age. The The Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation, Formation,

material, material, in in Eastern Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, is is known known as as the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation and and

ular ular material material was was highly highly susceptible susceptible to to the the development development of of landslides, landslides, This This

After After a a study study of of a a number number of of landslides, landslides, it it became became evident evident that that one one partic­

and and soil soil formations formations which which might might be be involved involved in in the the unstable unstable earth earth masses. masses.

and and studied studied several several sites sites in in order order to to identify identify and and delineate delineate the the geologic geologic

continuing continuing study study of of the the occurrence occurrence of of landslides landslides in in Kentucky, Kentucky, has has reviewed reviewed

For For the the past past few few years, years, the the Division Division of of Research, Research, as as a a part part of of its its

The The Case Case for for Slope Slope Instability Instability

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'UOJSOJ9 aj/(08-a.ld jO -1101\l.L 'JI-aU.Ij. i\t!Jl§'-j\jll!l SUIBlUO:) 0 'taM 1 li.Ia/1 :pappaq-ua11a 1 m p.Jt!40JQ qt;!.t:) llU!/\1.1apun \1l!M Pt!li.IOO (UOjpas < ·arqeWJOjUO:l UOJ1-t!WJO.;! 0 OJ:jewwe;l!EJP aas) lit!WJoj.Uo:>un ueJUOI\aa-ue!Jnf!S a41 J.O 1"11"1 IBJaUall i.~jJ ·pasodxa :jOU lfOOJ \jSa.Ij. 'patHUj )> -WHf AfU!4l 'p9UjeJll aU!J. 'allut!JO \jSJMOIIali 'll"'P s;aq1eaM (2:) :pappaq o\pood !snoJod :sut!oZoli.Iq pue z Sft;!UWrljO:l pjOU!J:ljO StUeUJl!BJj. tUBpunqe liJa/1 :OJ1-St!f00jq 'paUfB.IlJ aSJt;!00 /(Jail Ol aU!J'UMOJq \jSj -MOIIaA ate.Iapow pUt! allut;!JO \jS[MDIIali }j.IBp SJaljtt!8M' I (I) :sana[.lt;!/1 OMl 'al!WOfOO ·uoq.ewJO::l p.ll/\jO.IQ qt;!.t:) j.O 51ifi.J lSUjBlJB 1.110 Sal!paM .10 SJnOOS SII!J UOJlBW.IOj aJa\jM 590\:!jd Maj it! j.daoX9 W.IOj]Url S5al.l110!41 ·auotSaWJl (l)Je4SL8 \1l!M jOt!:jUOO UL lOU :(UOJJO"S 0[1-BWWt!JlJE)p aaS) aoue -p.toostp Jt;!jnllUH MOl "'41-!M -'1-!W.IOiuooun f"'UOJllaJ "'Sl uot:ww.tO.;! p.lt!\jOJQ qBJ:) llU!o\jJapun 4l!M P''l -UO:J ·sap!SII!~ uo sallpa1 snonojdsuoo ut tno sdOJ:J ')JEd ;aMOf uj tuepunqe a; ow spOdOfljOt!Jq :uoftt!WlOJ JO t.md Jaddn 1.11 pue s;ao\t!l snoaJBOft!O U! tUEpunqH a.tow S]t;!.tO:) spodot\jOeJq put! Slt!.IOO lJUjpnput 'sno.taJ!If550j i\jlt!:lOf 1.11.1n ~:Jj\j1- )tJWOjOp lJUIJI/aq -patj:> MOjaq sJnooo liluowwoo :>I0!\11 sa\jOU! ;:: 1-r10qe spaq PUJ1-S!pU] AAeM Uf :u"ll""' "l!OfB:l Maj. 4l!M paUJE.Il§' aU!l o\Ja/1 'lie.Ill-i.jSfllUt!JO-al"'d O) lit!Jll·t\.lll!l 'auo1-saWJl ·lJuor tOOJ. l UB4l a.tow sarnpou awos 'sJai\t!f Sr!OrlU.t+UDos.lp 1.1! Ap.sow 'taaJ 8 J<.>ddn ut sa1npou pa4o JBJn:§laJJ! )Ut!punqe :1101~1. J,aaj j1 se q:Jnw se stas U! padno.tll '>P!4l Sil\jOUI l ot 'It 'puqstpUJ spaq tsow !paUjBJl! wntp"w ot 91.1!1 o\Ja/1 !allueJO 4SJMOIIao\ 111"'p 01- allUBJO \jSjliB.tll S.ta\jtEaM !/it;!.tll-1.\jll!l 'ajiWOJOQ :aUO:jSaWtl pue

'P.It!MtSaM4\r10S o\ft\jl!ljjS SUJ41 'UO[pas O!+E!WWBJlJBjp Uj UMO\jS SB fljqt!W.IOJUO~lUt'l UO!lt!W ·.IO::J p.tt!\jOJQ qt;!J:) pUt;! aU01.SaW!l (i).ta\jS[8 llu]o\papun lJl!M PlllUOo :arqeWJOj.UOO attWDIOO a1A09 il'Ujo\j.Iapun ~liM P"'lUD:) Sd01-11!4 l.l/lj pUt! 'SWt!aJtS .'j!I-BIOOa.tq e 1-Jt!dW! ~0!4M SI!SSOJ. put! 'l.luJ 1 uetjt ssar UlOJj. sJali"'l uj :zvenb jO SUjt;!Jl! wnrpaw p9puno.I-II"M pue sap!JirlS UO.I! JO sum.t.\l as.I.,ds SUJEt -uoo :snoaoeuoqJe:>'pauw.tl!-aUtJ. ot autJ i\.1"11 'UMOJq-~S!-'t!Jll' 01 AeJll-lpep-LUnlp<>w (1) :sB!taJJe/1 OMt 'atJWDIOO 'taaj. Ql Jaddll U[ l'fO!I.JllDOJ l SB \j:ltlW St! SJaliHI U! pUt! '1.9<.lj OV Jaddn Uf lf~!\11 Sa\jOU! j1 ot1Ji 'sJ9i\ej Maj. "' 1.1! s;nooo aJB\jS lie.Ill- :waJ 91 ;addn 1.1! uowwoo 'Ja:jaWeJp 1.1! sa~OU! \7 01- ~ 'Sajnpou oqe\jdSDl.jd :>to!\11- 5"401.1! c; pue J!ll Je1npou Maj e puE 5"P'JIIlS UD.I! JO SU!e.tl! pateuJWaSS!P +uepunqe :snoaoeUOqJt!:l :attUOW!jliq paUJEJ.S 8JaljM UMOJq 4SIMOIIali ~.lt;!p 01. pUB 'UMO.Iq lf.Iep 0\ o\llt!:lOj 'o\t!Jll jO sapEqS OJ. SJa\jtt!\lM a1e1.JS }j:JtJOHIG-\jSjliBJil 'ale liS :a1-!U.I010p pue ajE~S

3 3

of of lower lower Silurian Silurian age, age, ranging ranging between between 8 8 and and 30 30 fe.et fe.et in in thickness, thickness, being being

Formations Formations are are underlain underlain by by the the Brassfield Brassfield Dolomite Dolomite (see (see Figure Figure a a deposit deposit 1,), 1,),

In In both both \vcstc.rn \vcstc.rn and and Eastern Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, the the Crab Crab Orc.hard Orc.hard and and Osgood Osgood

as as is is done done in in the. the. eastern eastern portion portion of of the the State. State.

generally generally mapped mapped a.s a.s a a single single unit, unit, not not being being subdivided subdivided into into various various members members

be be as as thick thick as as 50 50 or or 60 60 feet feet in in the the v1estern v1estern portion portion of of the the State State and and is is

with with the the shale shale near near the the top top and and base base of of the the unit. unit. The The Osgood Osgood Formation Formation may may

overlying overlying dolomites. dolomites. The The dolomites dolomites of of the the formation formation occur occur as as thin thin interbeds interbeds

lies lies nearly nearly barren, barren, badly badly gullied gullied slopes slopes at at the the base base of of escarpments escarpments in in the the

is is the the pale pale red. red. The The unit unit w·eathers w·eathers to to plastic plastic clays clays and and in in many many places places under­

two two fee.t fee.t of of shale shale 1 1 s s greenish-gray greenish-gray and and the the overlylng overlylng tt11o tt11o to to three three f:eet f:eet

of of the the formation formation contains contains pale pale red, red, oxi"ed oxi"ed zones. zones. Commonly Commonly the the basal basal one one to to

gray gray shale shale composed composed predominately predominately of of silty silty dolomitic dolomitic clay. clay. The The lower lower part part

Figure Figure 3). 3). The The Osgood Osgood Formation Formation consists consists of of at at least least 50 50 percent percent of of greenish­

geologically geologically wi.th wi.th the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation is is ma])ped ma])ped as as the the Osgood Osgood (see (see

In In the the

of of this this member member is is extremely extremely irregular irregular as as a a result result pre-Boyle pre-Boyle erosion. erosion.

sloping sloping valley valley sides sides and and flat flat stream stream bottoms bottoms (see (see Figure. Figure. 2). 2). The The thickness thickness

very very plastic plastic and and mvells mvells significantly significantly «hen «hen t>et. t>et. The The member member forms forms gently gently

occurs occurs from from zero zero to to three three feet feet above above the the base base of of the the member. member. The The shale shale is is

feet, feet, 15 15 A A bed bed of of slightly slightly resistant resistant gray gray sh&.le, sh&.le, one one to to three three inches inches thick, thick,

tains tains a a few few beds beds of of a a brownish-red brownish-red clay clay two two to to six six inches inches thick thick in in the the lower lower

dolomite dolomite which which weathers weathers to to a a d

a a few few discontinuous discontinuous beds beds less less than than one one inch inch th:lck th:lck of of light light gray, gray, fine-grained fine-grained

green green to to a a grayish--olive, grayish--olive, thinnly thinnly and and evenly evenly bedded bedded material. material. It It contains contains

deposite deposite ranging ranging up up to to 60 60 feet feet in in thickness. thickness. This This shale shale is is a a yellowish­

The The top top member member of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation is is the the Estill , Shale, a a

shales shales are are very very plastic plastic and and swell swell when when wet. wet.

dolomite dolomite weathers weathers to to a a dark dark yellowish-brown, yellowish-brown, fine-graine.d fine-graine.d material. material. The The

discontinuous discontinuous beds beds of of a a light light gray gray dolomite dolomite about about two two inches inches thick. thick. This This

member, member, the the shale. shale. is is a a yellowish-green, yellowish-green, thLnly thLnly cEcd cEcd bedded bedded material material with with ~venly ~venly

yellow-brown, yellow-brown, and and is is a a fine-grained fine-grained material. material. In In the the upper upper portion portion of of the the

thick, thick, The The dolomite dolomite is is light light gray, gray, weathers weathers to to a a dark dark yellowish-orange yellowish-orange to to

of of the the basal basal dolomite dolomite which which commonly commonly crops crops out out as as a a ledge ledge six six to to twelve twelve inches inches

up up to to ten ten f'eet f'eet in in thickness thickness and and forms forms gentle gentle slopes, slopes, J;Vith J;Vith the the exception exception

The The Waco Waco Hember Hember overlies overlies the the Lulbegrud. Lulbegrud. The. The. Hac.o Hac.o is is a a deposit deposit ranging ranging

slopes. slopes.

very very plastic plastic and and sv1ells sv1ells when when wet wet The The material, material, tvhen tvhen exposed, exposed, forms forms gentle gentle o o

continuous continuous beds beds of of dolomite dolomite less less than than one one inch inch in in thickness. thickness. The The shale shale is is

olive-·brown, olive-·brown, thin--bedded thin--bedded material. material. Locally Locally the the member member Includes Includes a a few few dis­

ranging ranging up up to to 18 18 feet feet in in thickness. thickness. This This shale shale '.s '.s a a grayish-olive grayish-olive to to a a light light

The The next next member member of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard is is the the Lulbegrud Lulbegrud Shale, Shale, a a deposit deposit

Hember Hember outcrops, outcrops, forms forms gentle gentle it it slopes slopes and, and, in in places, places, a a slight slight bench~ bench~

in in t.hin t.hin partings partings in in beds beds as as m.uch m.uch as as three three inc.hcs inc.hcs thick. thick. \.·!here \.·!here the the Oldham Oldham

to to 50 50 to to 70 70 percent. percent. The The shale, shale, to to occurs occurs yellowish-~·green yellowish-~·green grayish~·olive grayish~·olive ~ ~

the the member member at at the the base. base. of of the the unft unft and and decreH.ses decreH.ses tovJax:·d tovJax:·d the. the. top top of of the the unit unit

be.tween be.tween two two and and six six inches inches :ln :ln th:iekT::tt::ss th:iekT::tt::ss and and comprises comprises 80 80 to to 90 90 percent percent of of

4 4

(KY (KY 89, 89, Estill Estill County). County).

the the Base Base of of the the Boyle Boyle Dolomite Dolomite Escarpments Escarpments

Figure Figure 2. 2. Gentle Gentle Slopes Slopes in in the the Estill Estill Shale Shale at at

5 5

Geological Geological Survey, Survey, 1966). 1966).

Kentucky, Kentucky,

W~ W~ Le Le Peterson, Peterson, US US

11 11

Quadrangle, Quadrangle, Nelson Nelson and and Larue Larue Counties, Counties,

"Geologic "Geologic Map Map of of the the New New Haven Haven

Nelson Nelson County, County, Kentucky Kentucky (from (from

Figure Figure Generalized Generalized 3. 3.

Columnar Columnar Section Section for for

Dolomite Dolomite

Brassfield Brassfield

Formation Formation

Osgood Osgood

m m

3 3

~ ~

~ ~

z z

Dolomite Dolomite Laurel Laurel

! !

" "

~ ~

, , and and full full thickness thickness

of of the the Laurel Laurel Dolomite Dolomite occur occur only only in in northwest northwest comer comer

r r

part part of of

the the Brassfield Brassfield Dolomite. Dolomite. The The ~ouisville ~ouisville limestone. limestone. Waldron Waldron

angular angular

unconformity unconformity

that that cuts cuts across across ~bout ~bout 125 125 feet feet of of soclian soclian down down to to tho tho

readily readily

dissolved dissolved

and and

does does not not crop crop out out Unit Unit overl1os overl1os with with sharp sharp contact contact an an

outcrops outcrops were were rarely rarely SBen. SBen. and and

upper upper part part of of Price Price

In In valloy valloy

smooth smooth joints joints

rrear rrear base base In In places places

lcareous lcareous sandstone, sandstone, particularly particularly

no no fossilS fossilS observed; observed; contains contains few few very very

of of finely finely crystalline crystalline pyrit~ pyrit~ or or marcasite marcasite

le. le. homogeneous; homogeneous; contains contains abundant abundant

concl1oidal concl1oidal fracture fracture on on fresh fresh

in in the the Borden Borden Formation Formation

150) 150)

in in Jefferson Jefferson

County County but but IS IS not not Similar Similar to to other other siltstone siltstone or or sandy sandy siltstone siltstone

grain grain

size size

and and color color

to to the the Kenwood Kenwood Sandstone Sandstone desc'lbed desc'lbed by by Butts Butts

(1915, (1915, p. p. 148-

2 2

V

mile mile

northwest northwest

of of

Balltown Balltown where where It It is is 50 50 feet feet thick. thick. This This rock rock Is Is similar similar in in

occurs occurs

as as

a a single single

bed bed a a few few feet feet tllick tllick within within clay clay shale; shale; mapped mapped only only on on knob knob

only only

In In knol>s knol>s 1n 1n northern northern

part part of of quadrangle quadrangle north north of of Blue Blue Gap. Gap. Gen~rally Gen~rally

Siltstone Siltstone

Is Is yellowish yellowish

gray(weathered), gray(weathered), thick thick bedded, bedded, massive. massive. outcrops outcrops observed observed

apparently apparently conformable conformable

common, common,

especially especially

in in coadcuts coadcuts after after l\e"'-'Y l\e"'-'Y rains. rains. Basal Basal contact contact sharp sharp and and

blocks blocks

of of

shale shale and and

clay clay that that is is creeping creeping doWt\ doWt\ Slope_ Slope_ Small Small landslides landslides very very

most most 20 20 40 40 to to

feet feet of of shale shale

beneath beneath surface surface has has disintegrated disintegrated into into mll

in in largest largest

dimension, dimension,

occur occur near near base, base, commonly commonly 1n 1n lower lower 6 6 lncllos lncllos Upper­

tains tains

bed bed with with

abundant abundant

crinoid crinoid columnals. columnals. Phosphatic Phosphatic nodules, nodules, several several inches inches

crystals crystals

occur occur

locally locally

in in fractures; fractures; generally generally unfossil;lorous unfossil;lorous though though rarely rarely con­

when when

wet; wet;

contains contains

abundant abundant large large ironstone ironstone concretions concretions and and layers; layers; selonita selonita

weathers weathers shaly shaly

or or

with with Irregular Irregular fracture, fracture, generally generally noncalcareous, noncalcareous, very very plastic plastic

Clav Clav

shale shale

and and siltstone: siltstone: Clay Clay shale shale is is dark dark grBenlsl1 grBenlsl1 gray, gray, weekly weekly Indurated; Indurated;

6 6

in in Western Western Kentucky Kentucky are are conspicuous conspicuous as as ledges ledges on on hillsides hillsides and and often often form form

and and Bisher Bisher in in Eastern Eastern Kentucky Kentucky and and the the Sellersburg Sellersburg and and Louisville Louisville Limestones Limestones

bearing bearing dolomite dolomite in in beds beds as as much much as as two two feet feet thick, thick, Outcrops Outcrops of of the the Boyle Boyle

the the limestones limestones are are very very fine-grained fine-grained and and commonly commonly occur occur belmv belmv the the chert­

pole pole 1rangish-gray 1rangish-gray limestone. limestone. The The dolomite dolomite is is fine- to to medium-grained medium-grained and and

Kentucky Kentucky and and is is an an interbedding interbedding of of light light gray gray dolomite dolomite and and light light gray gray to to

Figure Figure 5). 5). The The Boyle Boyle correlates correlates with with the the Sellersburg Sellersburg Limestone Limestone of of Western Western

the the Bisher Bisher is is the the Boyle Boyle Dolomite, Dolomite, ranging ranging up up to to 22 22 feet feet in in thickness thickness (see (see

very very coarse·-grained, coarse·-grained, bioclastic bioclastic whi.ch whi.ch is is porous porous and and poorly poorly bedded. bedded. Above Above

a. a. dark dark yellowish-orange yellowish-orange and and moderate moderate yellowish-brown. yellowish-brown. It It is is a a fine- to to

feet feet in in thickness thickness and and is is a a grayish-orange-pink grayish-orange-pink dolomite dolomite which which weathers weathers to to

with with the the Louisville Limestone of of Western Western Kentueky, Kentueky, The The Bisher Bisher is is 0 0 to to 20 20

Formation Formation is is overlain overlain by by the the Bisher Bisher Limestone, Limestone, which which apparently apparently correlates correlates

In In Eastern Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, the the Estill Estill Shale Shale Member Member of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard

Formation Formation is is found. found.

carbonaceous carbonaceous shale shale and and outcrops outcrops extensively extensively in in the the areas areas in in which which the the Osgood Osgood

to to 75 75 feet, feet, deposits deposits of of the the New New Albany Albany Shale, Shale, This This is is a a grayish-black, grayish-black, very very

to to erosional erosional processes. processes. Above Above the the Sellersburg Sellersburg Limestone Limestone are are the the thick, thick, 50 50

Waldron , Shale, and and the the Laurel Laurel Dolomite Dolomite locally locally may may be be entirely entirely missing missing due due

shale shale partings. partings. The The Sellersburg Sellersburg Limestone, Limestone, the the Louisville Louisville Limestone, Limestone, the the

in in many many places places but but locally locally it it is is composed composed of of two two or or more more beds beds with with thin thin

and and is is thick-bedded. thick-bedded. The The unit unit often often appears appears to to be be composed composed of of a a single single bed bed

grayish-orange grayish-orange or or light light brown. brown. It It is is coarse- to to very very coarse-grained, coarse-grained, clastic clastic

ness ness up up to to eight eight feet. feet. This This limestone limestone is is yellowish-gray yellowish-gray and and weathers weathers to to a a

deposit deposit of of middle middle Devonian age, age, overlays overlays the the Louisville Louisville Limestone Limestone in in thick­

the the Osgood Osgood Formation Formation is is found. found. Portions Portions of of the the Sellersburg Sellersburg Limestone, Limestone, a a

the the upper upper most most formation formation of of the the middle middle Sulurian Sulurian age age in in those those areas areas in in which which

which which weathers weathers to to a a cavernous cavernous surface. surface. The The Louisville Louisville Limestone Limestone represents represents

Limestone, Limestone, a a light light olive-gray, olive-gray, coarse-grained, coarse-grained, clastic, clastic, thick-bedded thick-bedded limestone limestone

clay clay shale. shale. Above Above the the Waldron Waldron Shale Shale is is approximately approximately 20 20 feet feet of of the the Louisville Louisville

are are thin thin beds beds of of the the Waldron Waldron Shale, Shale, up up to to 12 12 feet feet of of medium-gray medium-gray dolomitic, dolomitic,

ing ing and and contains contains a a number number of of very very thin thin interbeds interbeds of of shale. shale. Above Above the the Laurel Laurel

lower lower portion portion of of the the unit, unit, the the Laurel Laurel lacks lacks this this cavernous cavernous nature nature of of weather­

thick-bedded thick-bedded and and massive massive and and weathers weathers to to a a porous porous network network of of rock. rock. In In the the

feet feet in in thickness. thickness. Near Near the the middle middle portion portion of of the the Laurel, Laurel, the the deposit deposit is is

Dolomite, Dolomite, a a thick- to to medium-bedded medium-bedded calcareous calcareous dolomite dolomite ranging ranging up up to to 65 65

In In Western Western Kentucky, Kentucky, the the Osgood Osgood Formation Formation is is overlain overlain by by the the Laurel Laurel

mation mation of of the the upper upper Ordovician age, age, is is 'sharp 'sharp and and conformable. conformable.

lower lower hillsides hillsides and and its its contact contact '"ith '"ith the the underlying underlying Drakes , Formation, a a for­

many many gullies. gullies. Its Its outcrops outcrops are are conspicuous conspicuous as as ledges ledges or or benches benches on on the the

outcrops, outcrops, it it forms forms small small cliffs cliffs in in many many of of the the valleys valleys and and waterfalls waterfalls in in

beds beds of of gray gray chert, chert, which which weathers weathers dull dull white. white. Where Where the the Brassfield Brassfield Dolomite Dolomite

yellowish-brown yellowish-brown and and often often contains contains abundant abundant rounded rounded massive massive and and irregular irregular

upper upper part. part. The The Brassfield Brassfield Dolomite Dolomite weathers weathers to to a a moderate moderate brown brown to to

of of the the formation, formation, the the partings partings becoming becoming more more numerous numerous and and thinner thinner in in the the

few few partings partings of of thin thin beds beds of of a a grayish-green grayish-green shale shale in in the the lower lower portion portion

grained grained at at the the top. top. The The deposit deposit is is thickly thickly to to massively massively bedded bedded with with a a

deposit deposit is is more more generally generally fine-grained fine-grained near near the the bottom bottom becoming becoming medium­

greenlsh-gray greenlsh-gray to to light light olive-gray, olive-gray, fine- to to medium-grained medium-grained dolomite, dolomite, The The

somewhat somewhat thicker thicker in in \;]estern \;]estern Kentucky, Kentucky, The, The, Brassfield Brassfield is is a a c,alcareous, c,alcareous,

7 7

County) County) . .

Shale Shale (KY (KY 52, 52, Station Station 230, 230, Estill Estill

Figure Figure 5. 5. Boyle Boyle Dolomite Dolomite and and New New Albany Albany

Estill Estill County) County) . .

Figure Figure 4. 4. Brassfield Brassfield Dolomite Dolomite (KY (KY 52, 52,

'··'-' '··'-'

8 8

common.~~~

11 11

during during road road hui.lding, hui.lding, slumping slumping is is more more imminent imminent and and

natural natural slope slope of of the the ground ground has has been been oversteepened oversteepened

seasons seasons of of unusually unusually heavy heavy precipitation. precipitation. Where Where the the

of of time, time, and and i.t i.t is is l:fkely l:fkely to to be be increased increased during during

perceptible perceptible sli.ps sli.ps along along ruptures ruptures over over a a long long period period

The The movement movement is is generally generally by by a a series series of of almost almost :tm­

in in turn turn c.auses c.auses pavement pavement failures failures in in the the roads~~~., roads~~~.,

however, however, is is their their tendency tendency to to slide slide or or slump, slump, which which

unfavorable unfavorable ~.~An ~.~An economic economic aspect aspect of of these these clays, clays,

11 11

Quadrangle, Quadrangle, Kentucky" Kentucky" by by Robert Robert H. H. l1orris l1orris ( ( U, U, S. S. Geological Geological Survey, Survey, 1965): 1965):

the the importance importance of of this, this, the the following following is is quoted quoted from from "Geology "Geology of of the the Charters Charters

Orchard Orchard are are not not suitable suitable as as fill fill material material or or as as a a foundation. foundation. To To illustrate illustrate

the the if if material material is is green, green, it it should should be be <;•astecl. <;•astecl. Clays Clays derived derived from from the the Crab Crab

distinctive distinctive color color of of green green or or greenish-·gray, greenish-·gray, might might it it in in general general be be said said that that

encountered. encountered. Since Since these these particuiar particuiar formations formations often often are are exposed exposed with with a a

and and construction construction of of engineering engineering facilities facilities in in areas areas where where the the materials materials are are

said said that that special special engineering engineering considerations considerations should should be be involved involved in in the the design design

Formations, Formations, as as illustrated illustrated by by the the following following examples, examples, it it can can be be generally generally

Because Because of of the the expc=rience expc=rience with with the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard and(or) and(or) the the Osgood Osgood

Osgood Osgood Formations. Formations.

materials materials involved involved in in the the unstable unstable earth earth masses masses ,,,ere ,,,ere of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard or or

s. s. of of the the U. U. Geological Geological Survey Survey and and the the Kentucky Kentucky Geological Geological Survey, Survey, that that the the

reference reference to to geologic geologic and and soils soils maps maps and and reports reports and and interviews interviews with with personnel personnel

In In each each of of these these instances instances it it has has been been very very definitely definitely establi.shed, establi.shed, by by

which which have have been been observed observed during during the the past past four four or or five five years years will will be be cited. cited.

Formations Formations are are susceptible susceptible to to slope slope instability, instability, a a number number of of case case histories histories

To To indicate indicate the the extent extent to to which which the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard and(or) and(or) the the Osgood Osgood

from from wells wells in in valley valley bottoms. bottoms.

4

Formation Formation may may yield yield small small quantities quantities of of highiy highiy mineralized mineralized (Caso ) ) water water

the the making making of of brick brick and and drain drain tile. tile. In In Eastern Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky, the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard

Lulbegrud Lulbegrud and and Estill Estill !1embers !1embers of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation are are suitable suitable for for

and and replaced replaced by by stabie stabie material. material. Clay Clay derived derived from from the the "eathering "eathering of of the the

suitable suitable foundations foundations and and drainage, drainage, or or the the clay clay should should be. be. completely completely removed removed

natural natural slopes slopes (see (see Figure Figure 6). 6). Construction Construction on on these these clays clays should should have have

particularly particularly susceptible susceptible and and small small slumps slumps and and slides slides are are noted noted even even in in

very very plastic plastic clays clays that that slump slump <

and and Lulbegrud Lulbegrud Shale Shale members, members, and and the the Osgood Osgood Formation Formation readily readily weather weather to to

Shales Shales of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation, Formation, particularly particularly the the Estill Estill Shale Shale

130 130 to to 150 150 feet. feet.

Formation Formation are are capped capped the the by by New New Albany Albany Shale, Shale, which which may may be be as as thick thick as as

the the cliffs cliffs many many of: of: of of the the hills. hills. Many Many the the of of hills hills the the ln ln Crab Crab Orchard Orchard 6

•(X~uno~ 11>~sa 'ES ~) a1eqs 11J~sa UJ ado1s 1e~n~eN UJ sdmn1s •g a~n6J~

10 10

and and dolomite dolomite formation. formation. The The Haco Haco may, may, in in places, places, be be sufficiently sufficiently strong strong to to

In In places, places, the the Estill Estill Shale Shale is is underlain underlain by by the the Haco Haco Hember, Hember, a a shale shale

Dolomite. Dolomite.

to to the the west west of of the the landslide landslide site site exposes exposes the the New New Albany Albany Shale Shale and and the the Boyle Boyle

feet feet thick thick in in the the area area (see (see Figure Figure 14). 14). The The deep deep cut cut (Station (Station 230) 230) just just

Shale Shale and and the the Chattanooga ), Shale), primarily primarily a a g·rayish-black g·rayish-black shale shale to to 80 80 120 120

Above Above the the Boyle Boyle Dolomite Dolomite L L the the New New Albany Albany Shale Shale (also (also knmm knmm as as the the Ohio

contributing contributing to to the the formation formation of of the the ridge ridge to to the the north north of of the the highway. highway.

just just to to the the north north of of the the roadway roadway construction construction and and is is the the significant significant material material

Dolom:Lte. Dolom:Lte. This This dolomite dolomite can can be. be. seen seen outcropping outcropping in in a a cliff cliff (see (see Figure Figure 13) 13)

At At the the landslide landslide site, site, the the Estill Estill Shale Shale is is overlain overlain by by the the Boyle Boyle

the the engineering engineering characteristics characteristics of of the the Estill Estill Shale Shale clays. clays.

presence presence of of illite, illite, chlorite, chlorite, and and some some bentonite bentonite clays. clays. Table Table 1 1 summarizes summarizes

site site and and several several other other points points on on KY KY 52 52 in in the the general general vicinity vicinity :!.ndicate :!.ndicate the the

when when moist. moist. X-ray X-ray analysis analysis (see (see Figure Figure 12) 12) of of the the clays clays from from the the landslide landslide

evenly evenly bedded bedded shale shale whi.ch whi.ch weathers weathers very very readily readily to to plastic plastic clays clays that that slump slump

is is the the Estill Estill Shale Shale Hember, Hember, a a yellowi.sh-green yellowi.sh-green to to grayish-olive, grayish-olive, thinnly thinnly and and

Formation. Formation. The The unstable unstable material material involved involved in in the the slide slide at at Rice's Rice's Station Station

revealed revealed that that the the unstable unstable material material a a portion portion of of the the •~as •~as Crab Crab Orchard Orchard

interviews interviews with with the the U. U. S. S. Geological Geological Survey Survey personnel personnel working working in in that that area area

A A critical critical review review of of geologic geologic maps maps for for the the Estill Estill County County area area and and

254+00 254+00 (see. (see. Figures Figures 9, 9, and and 10 10 11). 11).

the the slide slide now now (February, (February, 1968) 1968) extends extends at at least least from from Station Station 239+00 239+00 to to

area area was was postponed. postponed. Hovement Hovement of of the the unstable unstable soil soil mass mass has has continued continued and and

material material (see (see Figure Figure 8). 8). Hovement Hovement continued continued and and construction construction in in the the immediate immediate

or or feet feet 30 30 below below the the limits limits of of construction, construction, to to develop develop in in the the foundation foundation

to to cause cause significant significant movement, movement, first first noted noted in in the the original original ground ground some some 20 20

Figure Figure 7). 7). However, However, the the additional additional loading loading due due to to the the fill fill was was sufficient sufficient

not not particularly particularly high, high, being being only only twenty twenty feet feet at at the the deepest deepest point point (see (see

to to develop develop near near Station Station 241+00 241+00 on on a a side-hill side-hill fill fill situation. situation. The The fill fill was was

During During the the 1967 1967 construction construction season season (November, (November, 1967), 1967), a a slide slide began began

unstable unstable earth earth masse masse

identify identify and and delineate delineate the the geologic geologic and and soil soil formations formations involved involved in in the the

of of landslides landslides in in Kentucky, Kentucky, undertook undertook a a review review of of the the situation situation in in order order to to

Division Division of of Research, Research, as as a a part part of of i.ts i.ts continuing continuing studies studies of of the the occurrenc.e occurrenc.e

miles miles west west of of Irving, Irving, by by personnel personnel of of the the Division Division of of Construction. Construction. The The

slide, slide, which which was was developing developing on on KY KY 52 52 in in Estill Estill County County approximately approximately four four

The The attention attention of of the the Division Division of of Research Research was was directed directed to to a a land­

SP·-33-83, SP·-33-83, S S 616 616 (13) (13)

KY KY 52, 52, Estill Estill County County Figure 7. View of Landslide Site on KY 52, Estill County (December 1967) .

Figure 8. Distress in Embankment on KY 52, Estill County (December 1967).

11

13 13

Estill Estill County County (February (February 1968). 1968).

Figure Figure lla lla Distress Distress in in Embankmen·t Embankmen·t on on KY KY 52, 52,

Estill Estill County County (February (February 1968) 1968) . .

Figure Figure lOa lOa Distress Distress in in Embankment Embankment on on KY KY 52, 52,

14 14

Illite, Illite, Bentonite, Bentonite, Chlorite Chlorite

MINERALOGY MINERALOGY (X-Ray (X-Ray Diffraction) Diffraction)

Mississippi Mississippi River River Con~~~.1ss1on) Con~~~.1ss1on)

Textural Textural (US (US Bureau Bureau of of Soils Soils ~lay ~lay and and

Unified Unified CL CL

MSIIO MSIIO A-7-6(15) A-7-6(15)

CLASSIFICATIONS CLASSIFICATIONS

Percent Percent Swe~l Swe~l 20.6% 20.6%

Moisture Moisture Content Content After After 21.n: 21.n: Swell Swell

Dry Dry Unit Unit Weight Weight After After Swell Swell 94.1 94.1 Pounds Pounds ller ller Cubic Cubic Foot Foot

Moisture Moisture Content Content After After 14.7% 14.7% Compaction Compaction

Dry Dry Unit Unit We:l.ght We:l.ght After After Compaction Compaction 119.7 119.7 Pounds Pounds Per Per Cubic Cubic Foot Foot

Miniml!fll Miniml!fll Laboratory Laboratory CBR CBR 0.4 0.4

CBR CBR (Kentucky (Kentucky Method) Method)

Optimum Optimum Moisturli\l Moisturli\l Content Content 16,4% 16,4%

Mp.ximum Mp.ximum Density Density 112 112 Pounds Pounds Per Per Cubic Cubic Foot Foot

MOISTURE-DENSITY MOISTURE-DENSITY RELATIONSHIP RELATIONSHIP (ASTM (ASTM D D 698-SST, 698-SST, Method Method A) A)

SPECIFIC SPECIFIC 2.78 2.78 GRAVITY GRAVITY (ASTM (ASTM D D 854-58) 854-58)

l'lasticity l'lasticity Index Index 23% 23%

Liquid Liquid Lilllit Lilllit 47% 47%

ATTERBERG ATTERBERG

LIMITS LIMITS (ASTM (ASTM 423-61T 423-61T I;l I;l &1!-d &1!-d D D 424-.$9) 424-.$9)

'" '"

CQlloids CQlloids (-0,001 (-0,001 mm) mm)

Clay Clay 52% 52% {-0,005 {-0,005 mm) mm)

Silt Silt mm, mm, (-0.05 (-0.05 32% 32% mm) mm) +0,005 +0,005

Fine Fine Sand Sand (-140 (-140 sieve, sieve, +0.05 +0.05 :lllll) :lllll) 10% 10%

Coarse Coarse Sand(-110 Sand(-110 sieve, sieve, +140 +140 sieve} sieve} 6% 6%

GRAIN GRAIN SIZE SIZE DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION (ASTM (ASTM D D 422-63) 422-63)

of of Estill Estill Sbale Sbale Clays Clays

Table Table 1. 1. SUIIIIIIBry SUIIIIIIBry of of Engineering Engineering Charaetertstiea Charaetertstiea

of of the the Estill Estill Shale. Shale.

Figure Figure 12. 12. Typical Typical X-Ray X-Ray Diffraction Diffraction Patterns Patterns

• • ~ ~ ' '

15 15

on on KY KY 52, 52, Estill Estill County. County.

(Ohio ( Shale or or Chattanooga Chattanooga Shale) Shale)

Dolomite, Dolomite, and and New New Albany Albany Shale Shale

Figure Figure 14. 14. Exposures Exposures of of Estill Estill Shale, Shale, Boyle Boyle

KY KY 52, 52, Estill Estill County. County.

Figure Figure 13. 13. Cliffs Cliffs of of Boyle Boyle Dolomite Dolomite on on

16 16

angles angles

to to

its its

strike, strike,

and and placing placing the the highway highway in in the the "V" "V" of of the the

stream stream

valleys. valleys.

This This

suggests suggests

a a relocation relocation

of of the the highway, highway, crossing crossing the the Estill Estill Shale Shale

at at

right right

as as quickly quickly

as as

possible possible and and in in such such ways ways that that earth earth movements movements are are

minimized. minimized.

is is

to to relocate relocate

the the

highway highway in in such such a a way way that that the the poor poor materials materials

are are crossed crossed

method method

of of

minimizing minimizing

landslide landslide occurrences occurrences and and to to correct correct the the existing existing

ones ones

Since Since

the the

undesirable undesirable

materials materials are are so so thick thick in in the the area, area, the the most most

feasible feasible

activity activity in in

the the

material material

is is sure sure to to result result in in some some difficulties difficulties in in the the

future. future.

slides slides

often often

occur occur in in the the natural natural slopes. slopes. The The minimum minimum amount amount of of

construction construction

one one

to to

two two miles miles

in in

the the landslide landslide area. area. The The shale shale is is so so unstable unstable that that

land­

KY KY 52 52

parallels parallels

the the strike strike of of the the outcrops outcrops of of the the Estill Estill Shale Shale for for approximately approximately

It It

is is extremely extremely

unfortunate unfortunate that that the the centerline centerline of of the the relocation relocation of of

which which is is causing causing the the slide. slide.

the the

Boyle Boyle

Dolomite Dolomite

is is underlain underlain by by the the Estill Estill Shale, Shale, the the unstable unstable

material material

particularly particularly

common common at at

or or near near the the base base of of the the Boyle Boyle Dolomite. Dolomite. Remember Remember

that that

the the Irvine Irvine

Formation. Formation.

It It has has also also been been noted noted that that perennial perennial springs springs

are are

area area

indicate indicate

that that numerous numerous

small, small, soft soft water water springs springs are are often often observed observed

in in

Statements Statements

from from the the recently recently published published geologic geologic maps maps for for the the general general

bricks, bricks,

the the

Lulbegrud Lulbegrud

Shale Shale of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation is is suitable suitable for for

making making

impure impure

clays, clays,

silt silt

and and

sand. sand. Much Much of of clay clay forming forming from from the the Estill Estill

Shale Shale

and and

for for

pottery pottery

making. making.

This This clay clay occurs occurs as as lenses lenses that that are are interbedded interbedded with with

terrace terrace

deposits deposits

of of

the the Kentucky Kentucky River River and and its its tributaries, tributaries, are are often often suitable suitable

The The

alluvial alluvial

clays clays which which occur occur in in the the Irvine Irvine Formation, Formation, the the Quarternary Quarternary

will will

be be highly highly susceptible susceptible to to surface surface and and groundwater groundwater erosion. erosion.

drainage drainage

of of

water water

from from these these sands sands and and it it is is anticipated anticipated that that the the

cut cut slopes slopes

reddish-brown reddish-brown

sand sand are are encountered. encountered. At At places places there there has has been been significant significant

KY KY 52, 52, where where

it it cuts cuts

the the

ridge tops, tops, ridge significant significant quantities quantities and and

depths depths

of of

the the

of of silt, silt,

clay, clay,

sand, sand,

gravel, gravel,

sandstone, sandstone, and and conglomerate. conglomerate. Along Along

the the

route route of of

the the

west west

of of Irvine Irvine

are are covered covered by by the the Irvine Irvine Formation, Formation, a a terrace terrace deposite deposite

It It

is is interesting interesting

to to note note that that extensive extensive areas areas of of the the ridges ridges lying lying to to

may may be be as as thick thick as as 60 60 to to 80 80 feet feet at at the the landslide landslide site, site,

particular particular

site site is is

probably probably

located located over over plastic plastic and and s«elling s«elling clays, clays,

all all

«hich «hich

grud grud

is is

just just as as

bad bad

a a material material as as the the Estill Estill and and thus thus the the high«ay high«ay at at

this this

in in the the

absence absence

of of the the

Haco, Haco, lies lies directly directly under under the the Estill Estill Shale. Shale.

The The

Lulbe­

often often missing missing

entirely. entirely.

The The Lulbegrud Lulbegrud Shale Shale Member Member underlied underlied the the

Waco Waco and, and,

support support

a a high>Jay. high>Jay.

However, However, it it should should be be pointed pointed out out that that the the Waco Waco Hember Hember is is

17 17

when when wet, wet,

and and had had tendencies tendencies within within itself itself to to become become unstable unstable and and to to slip slip down down slope slope

It It should should be be pointed pointed out out that that the the original original material material was was also also extremely extremely weak weak

saturated saturated and and loosing loosing strength strength and and therefore therefore slipping slipping down down the the original original slope. slope.

subsurface subsurface seepage seepage has has been been dammed dammed by by the the embankment--the embankment--the embankment embankment becoming becoming

been been covered covered with with the the embankment embankment portion portion of of the the section. section. It It is is felt felt that that

Shales Shales (Figure (Figure 15), 15), known known to to be be paths paths along along which which subsurface subsurface water water seeps, seeps, have have

sites sites are are side-hill side-hill cut-fill cut-fill sections. sections. Outcrops Outcrops of of the the thinly thinly bedded bedded Osgood Osgood

have have been been identified identified as as portions portions of of the the Osgood Osgood Formation. Formation. These These landslide landslide

The The material material involved involved in in the the unstable unstable masses masses at at three three landslide landslide sites sites

of of the the guardrails guardrails and and the the pavement, pavement,

ations ations of of continuing continuing movement movement manifested manifested by by cracked cracked shoulders shoulders and and settlement settlement

convenience convenience to to the the public public at at these these two two slides, slides, However, However, there there has has been been indic­

Since Since the the Parkway Parkway has has been been opened opened to to traffic, traffic, there there has has been been no no serious serious in­

construction construction period, period, and and the the material material was was removed removed and and replaced replaced at at that that time. time.

slips, slips, as as the the one one at at Mile Mile Post Post 20 20 described described above, above, first first occurred occurred during during the the

Bluegrass Bluegrass Parkway Parkway within within two two miles miles of of the the US US 31E 31E interchange. interchange. Both Both of of these these

It It is is interesting interesting to to note note that that two two other other slips slips have have occurred occurred on on the the

September, September, 1966). 1966).

Aoalyses Aoalyses of of Earth Earth Masses" Masses" by by R. R. C. C. Deen, Deen, G, G, D. D. Scott, Scott, and and W, W, W. W. McGraw, McGraw,

site site and and of of the the corrective corrective measures measures have have been been reported reported previously previously ("Stability ("Stability

eastbound eastbound lanes lanes had had to to be be closed closed to to traffic. traffic. A A detailed detailed discussion discussion of of the the

the the Parkway Parkway was was opened opened to to traffic. traffic. Movement Movement continued continued in in this this area area until until the the

US US 31E 31E interchange. interchange. The The pavement, pavement, which which was was damaged, damaged, was was patched patched just just before before

eastbound eastbound lane lane of of the the Bluegrass Bluegrass Parkway Parkway approximately approximately 1.5 1.5 miles miles west west of of the the

Just Just prior prior to to the the completion completion of of construction, construction, a a slide slide occurred occurred in in the the

Nelson Nelson County County

Bluegrass Bluegrass Parkway, Parkway, Mile Mile Post Post 20 20 81

"9961 'X1nr e~e~ u1 oz ~soa a11W ~e ·~saM 6u1~oo~ 'ea~v ap11s JO M61~ ""1 a~n61d

19 19

there there

has has bef~n bef~n no no signifi-c.ant signifi-c.ant movement movement of of the the area area for for a a couple couple of of years~ years~

the the slope. slope. According According to to comments comments made·by made·by local local people people in in February February 1968, 1968,

and and apparently apparently penetrated penetrated st:abl.e st:abl.e J.:Htu J.:Htu . . .m.atectal .m.atectal su.fflc.iently su.fflc.iently to to stabil:tze stabil:tze

(see (see Figure Figure 24). 24). These These piles piles "'ere "'ere placed placed to to depths depths of of some some 60 60 to to 80 80 feet feet

concrete-filled, concrete-filled, 6·-inch 6·-inch steel steel pipe pipe piles piles in in the the slide slide area area Clark Clark i.n i.n County County

In In September September 1963, 1963, the the Division Division of of Halntenance Halntenance installed installed a a number number of of

23), 23),

where where the the highway highway c.onstruction c.onstruction is is more more or or lE~ss lE~ss "wedged "wedged i.n" i.n" (see (see Figure Figure

and, and, more more often often as as not, not, is is located located in in the the bottom bottom "V" "V" of of the the of of the the valleys, valleys,

noted noted that that it it crosses crosses more more or or less less at at right right angles angles to to the the strike strike of of the the beds beds

River. River.

At At other other places places w·here w·here the the highway highway must must cross cross the the Estill Estill Shale, Shale, is is it it

have have been been encountered encountered is is the the site site approximately approximately 0.6 0.6 miles miles north north of of the the Red· Red·

entire entire length. length. The The only only area area in in ·which ·which significant significant landslide landslide difficulties difficulties

two two termini termini corsses corsses into into and and out out of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard !'ormation !'ormation throughout throughout the the

Winchester Winchester to to Irving Irving has has a a lesson lesson to to teach. teach. The The route route of of KY KY 89 89 between between these these

more more less less parallel parallel to to its its outcroping. outcroping. A A study study of of the the location location of of KY KY 89 89 from from

in in a a highway highway location location was was observed observed where where the the highway highway crossed crossed the the Estill Estill Shale Shale

Again, Again, it it is is interesting interesting to to note note that that the the development development of of major major distress distress

stability stability of of the the material. material.

of of large large amounts amounts of of seepage seepage water, water, wh:ieh wh:ieh of of course course contributes contributes to to a a loss loss of of

During During different different inspections inspections of of the the site, site, there there had had been been numerous numerous indi.cations indi.cations

indic.ations indic.ations that that the the natural natural slope slope in in the the area area had had been been movi.ng movi.ng for for a a long long time. time.

movements movements in in the the area. area. It It should should be be pointed pointed out, out, however, however, that that there there are are

and and the the construction construction activity activity was was probably probably sufficient sufficient to to initiate initiate significant significant

The The higlway higlway through through this this particular particular location location is is a a side-··hill side-··hill cut-·fill cut-·fill section section

east: east: of of the the roadway roadway as as the the topography topography drops drops sharply sharply to to the the Red Red River River valley. valley.

slopes slopes formed formed by by the the Estill Estill Shale. Shale. This This slope slope steepens steepens significantly significantly to to the the

New New Albany Albany Shale. Shale. At At the the foot foot of of the the Boyle Boyle Dolomite Dolomite cliff cliff are are the the gentle gentle

2.2). 2.2). Above Above this this dolomite dolomite and and forming forming the the rounded rounded portion portion of of the the ridge ridge is is the the

the the roadway roadway is is a a 20- to to 25-foot 25-foot cliff cliff formed formed by by the the Boyle Boyle Dolomite Dolomite (see (see Figure Figure

Shale, Shale, a a member member of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation. Formation. To To the the west west of of and and paralleling paralleling

in in this this particular particular area area parallels parallels the the outcrops outcrops of of and and is is located located on on the the Estill Estill

A A review review of of geologic geologic maps maps and and reports reports indicate indicate that that the the location location of of KY KY 89 89

sketch sketch by by the the movements movements of of the. the. fence fence lines lines (see (see Figures Figures 17 17 through through 21). 21).

KY KY 89. 89. The The extent extent of of lateral lateral displacement, displacement, for for example, example, is is illustrated illustrated in in the the

on on a a steep steep slope slope above above the the point point where where the the Red Red River River approaches approaches most most closely closely

probably probably one one of of the the largest largest to to be be observed observed in in the the area. area. The The slide slide is is located located

landslide landslide area area made made on on June June 12, 12, 1963, 1963, illustrates illustrates the the extent extent of of this this slide, slide,

Haintenance Haintenance Division Division in in early early summer, summer, 1963. 1963. A A sketch sketch (see (see Figure Figure 16) 16) of of the the

landslide landslide was was brought brought to to the the attention attention of of the the Division Division of of Research Research by by the the

0. 0. 6 6 miles miles north north of of the the Clark·" Clark·" Estill Estill County County line line (Red (Red River). River). This This particular particular

Division Division for for several several years, years, is is located located on on KY KY 89 89 in in Clark Clark County, County, approximately approximately

A A large large landslide, landslide, whieh whieh has has been been eausing eausing difficulty difficulty for for the the Haintenance Haintenance

KY KY 89, 89, Clark Clark County County oz

• 91 e.rnfi·r.i!

··. "'

----~--wrrAFUA

21 21

KY KY 89, 89, Clark Clark Coun·ty. Coun·ty.

Figure Figure 18. 18. Photograph Photograph 2 2 (See (See Figure Figure 15) 15) of of Slide Slide Area, Area,

Slope Slope Material, Material, KY KY 89, 89, Clark Clark County. County.

Figure Figure 17. 17. Photograph Photograph l l (See (See Figure Figure 15) 15) Showing Showing Saturated Saturated

22 22

KY KY 89, 89, Clark Clark Coun·ty. Coun·ty.

Figure Figure 20. 20. Photograph Photograph 4 4 (See (See Figure Figure 15} 15} of of Slide Slide Area, Area,

KY KY 89, 89, Clark Clark county. county.

Figure Figure 19. 19. Photograph Photograph 3 3 (See (See Figure Figure 15} 15} of of Slide Slide Area, Area,

23 23

Photograph Photograph 6 6 (See (See Figure Figure 15). 15).

Figure Figure 22. 22. Boyle Boyle Dolomite Dolomite Cliff, Cliff, KY KY 89, 89, Clark Clark County, County,

KY KY 89, 89, Clark Clark County. County.

Figure Figure 21. 21. Photograph Photograph 5 5 (See (See Figure Figure 15) 15) of of Slide Slide Area, Area,

24 24

Location Location of of Highways Highways in in Estill Estill Shale. Shale.

Figure Figure 23. 23. Illustration Illustration of of Most Most Advantageous Advantageous

OYakes OYakes Farrnatiot~ Farrnatiot~

~ ~

s s ...... and and sfi sfi .. .. DoloiY\mt DoloiY\mt ld ld

l.Dweo-pa.t l.Dweo-pa.t FO,.,..ttion FO,.,..ttion

Lu.I~.Shala Lu.I~.Shala

W.,o W.,o

llleotl>tt­

Estill Estill Shale Shale Meo~l>ot-

era& era& Upper Upper brchllnt brchllnt par+ par+ of of farm4ti011 farm4ti011

N.w N.w Albany Albany sMie sMie

G G

Allu.vil.lnt Allu.vil.lnt ~ ~ • (S1 a~nfi1a aas} L qd~~fio~oqd 'X~uno~ ~~~1~ '68 ~ 'aa~1d u1 ad>a pa111a-a~a~auo~ ·vz a~nfi>a KY 1840, Estill County

Significant difficulties were encountered with slides during the construction of KY 1840 in the area where it junctions with KY 89, approxi­ mately 1-1/2 miles north of Irving. This county road was built along a line parallel to the contours of the ridge and more or less parallel to the out­ crops of the Estill Shale. The road was built at the base of the Boyle Dolomite cliff which was overlain by the New Albany Shale (see Figure 25).

In order to correct the landslide situation, the location of the road was abandoned and relocated in the bottom of the "V" of the small valley between the two ridges. Even though the roadway crossed the Estill Shale, this particular location was the most advantageous. The crossing is made at right angles to the strike of the outcropping and the roadway is "wedged in" the bottom of the small valley. In this manner, the likelihood of a landslide was minimized. To date (February 1968) there has been no significant difficulty with the relocated section of KY 1840 where it crosses the.Estill Shale.

Figure 25. Landslide Area, KY 1840, Estill County.

26

27 27

by by feed feed be be may may embankment embankment the the and and pond pond the the both both rather rather but, but, seepage seepage of of

source source the the not not is is pond pond the the that that however, however, possible, possible, is is It It drained. drained. be be should should

and and of of seepage seepage source source likely likely a a is is pond pond the the Thus, Thus, feet. feet. 705 705 of of elevation elevation

pool pool normal normal a a at at water water with with pond pond a a is is feet feet 100 100 about about northeast northeast the the To To east. east.

the the from from embankment embankment unstable unstable the the entering entering be be to to appears appears water water The The

outlet. outlet. an an as as serves serves culvert culvert the the that that indication indication

further further a a joints, joints, open open of of tops tops the the through through culvert culvert the the entering entering ually ually

contin­ be be to to noted noted was was Water Water culvert. culvert. concrete concrete 48-inch 48-inch the the of of vicinity vicinity

the the in in outlet outlet drainage drainage the the places places which which 633+00, 633+00, Station Station at at lane lane eastbound eastbound

the the in in is is point point low low groundwater groundwater The The direction. direction. southerly southerly a a in in embankment embankment

the the from from draining draining is is water water the the that that indicate indicate contours contours The The roadway. roadway. the the

of of width width entire entire the the extending extending and and 634+00 634+00 and and 633+50 633+50 Stations Stations between between water water

ground­ of of mound mound a a show show contours contours water·-table water·-table These These 28. 28. Figure Figure in in contours contours

water-table water-table of of form form the the in in presented presented are are data data this this of of results results The The area. area.

slide slide the the into into water water seepage seepage of of sources sources possible possible other other detect detect to to effort effort

an an in in months months several several for for intervals intervals frequent frequent at at made made were were holes holes drill drill the the

in in elevations elevations water water of of observations observations suspect, suspect, prime prime a a as as eliminated eliminated being being

source source obvious obvious most most the the With With properly. properly. functioning functioning is is flow, flow, large large the the

by by indicated indicated as as which, which, 631+80, 631+80, Station Station at at box box spring spring the the to to way way its its finds finds

probably probably water water this this that that and and factor factor major major a a actually actually not not was was seepage seepage of of

source source suspected suspected the the that that indicating indicating lime, lime, the the to to due due change change any any indicate indicate

not not did did samples samples these these of of \?ate~r \?ate~r Analyses Analyses etc. etc. content, content, calcium calcium ductivity, ductivity,

con­ ph, ph, for for laboratory laboratory the the in in tested tested and and months months several several of of period period a a over over

intervals intervals frequent frequent at at 1966, 1966, and and 1965 1965 of of summers summers the the during during installed installed been been

had had which which holes, holes, drill drill from from obtained obtained were were samples samples Water Water ground, ground, the the into into

disappearing disappearing observed observed was was water water where where 625+00, 625+00, Station Station at at inlets inlets ditch ditch two two and and

inlet inlet median median the the at at surface surface ground ground the the below below just just placed placed was was lime lime hydrated hydrated

1966, 1966, September September In In site. site. the the of of west west the the to to cut cut the the through through subsurface subsurface rock rock

and and ditches ditches the the down down coming coming water water be be to to thought thought was was water water this this of of source source

suspected suspected A A area. area. fill fill the the in in noted noted were were seepage seepage groundwater groundwater significant significant

of of areas areas numerous numerous site, site, landslide landslide the the of of inspections inspections the the all all During During

grade, grade, proper proper the the maintain maintain to to patching patching and and mudjacking mudjacking included included

have have operations operations Maintenance Maintenance involved. involved. been been have have lanes, lanes, traffic traffic (westbound) (westbound)

left left the the extent extent lesser lesser a a to to and and lanes, lanes, traffic traffic (eastbound) (eastbound) right right both both that that

so so weather weather wet wet of of periods periods during during increased increased has has subsidence subsidence of of area area the the time time

that that Since Since 27), 27), and and 26 26 Figures Figures lsee lsee slightly slightly subsided subsided shoulder shoulder (eastbound) (eastbound)

right right the the of of section section 50-foot 50-foot to to opened opened was was traffic,~ traffic,~ project project the the after after

Soon Soon line, line, County County Powell Powell the the near near section section fill fill short short a a on on located located is is slide slide

The The slopes, slopes, unstable unstable in in water water seepage seepage tracing tracing of of methods methods on on research research with with

conjunction conjunction in in 635+00 635+00 and and 633+00 633+00 Stations Stations between between County County Clark Clark in in Parkway Parkway

Mountain Mountain the the on on slide slide a a observing observing been been has has Research Research of of Division Division The The

County County Clark Clark Parkway, Parkway, Mountain Mountain •:Jilt 1'¥1 "A~uno~ ~~et~ 'Ae~~~ea ,. .... ule~unow •ea~v aPltspue~ }O qo~a~s ·gz a~n614 n - :1: 0 -·~ 0 Cll "'V 8= ....,. .. z 0 Ill.. (jlfl 0\ .... Ill -I 0- Cll 1'¥1 f\1 jl:.•.:'' ~ Q ,. ~ :','.' ~ ..- .... \1\ :Ill 1'¥1 I :Iii> I I I I

------~------~--·~---

29 29

west west (to (to the the direction direction of of decreasing decreasing stations). stations).

vicinity vicinity

of of

the the

slide slide apparently apparently

dip dip slightly slightly from from

the the

southeast southeast

to to

the the north­

Shale Shale rather rather

than than a a part part

of of the the

Boyle Boyle

Dolomite. Dolomite. The The geologic geologic

strata strata

in in the the

and and

for for

this this

reason reason

is is

often often

regarded regarded as as the the basal basal

member member

of of

the the New New Albany Albany

often often

found found

interbedded interbedded

with with the the

basal basal 9 9 to to 15 15 feet feet

of of

the the

New New Albany Albany

Shale Shale

layer, layer, a a massive massive

sandy, sandy, gray gray

dolomitic dolomitic

limestone. limestone. This This

particular particular

layer layer is is

portion portion

of of

the the

layer layer

is is

a a sandy sandy

limestone, limestone, which which

is is thought thought

to to be be the the

Duffin Duffin

These These

are are

probably probably

the the Bisher Bisher

Limestone Limestone and and the the

Boyle Boyle Dolomite. Dolomite.

The The

top top

limestone limestone

bioclastic bioclastic

over over

a a cherty cherty

limestone, limestone, both both about about

eight eight

inches inches thick. thick.

to to

a a sandy sandy limestone. limestone.

The The

lower lower

part part of of the.layer the.layer is is

composed composed

of of a a

hard hard

the the green green

shale shale

of of

the the Crab Crab

Orchard Orchard

Formation Formation

are are

layers layers

ranging ranging

from from

dolomite dolomite

above above

an an

elevation elevation

of of approximately approximately

715 715 feet. feet. Between Between

the the

black black shale shale

and and

the the

Chattanooga Chattanooga

Shale) Shale)

is is

observed observed (see (see Figure Figure 29) 29) on on

the the ridge ridge

tops tops

Orchard Orchard

Formation, Formation,

The The

New New

Albany Albany

Shale Shale (also (also known, known,

as as

the the

Ohio Ohio

Shale Shale

and and

green green

shale shale

is is

mapped mapped

geologically geologically

in in the the area area as as

the the

upper upper part part

of of

the the Crab Crab

the the

vicinity vicinity

of of

the the

slide slide

with with

its its top top at at an an elevation elevation

of of

705 705

feet. feet.

This This

into into a a

plastic plastic

clay. clay.

The The

green green shale shale

appears appears to to be be 15 15

to to

20 20 feet feet thick thick

in in

The The

embankment embankment

is is founded founded

on on a a greenish greenish shale shale which which weathers weathers readily readily

to to the the vertical vertical seepage. seepage.

700 700

which which is is

well well below below

the the

top top

of of a a green green shale, shale,

thought thought

to to

act act

as as

a a barrier barrier

the the

fill. fill.

Such Such

a a ditch ditch

10 10

feet feet deep deep would would have have

its its bottom bottom

near near elevation elevation

633+50 633+50

to to

635+00 635+00

in in

the the

left left

ditch ditch

line line would would cut cut off off

the the flow flow

of of

water water

to to

ceptor ceptor trench trench

about about 10 10 feet feet

deep deep and and extending extending from from

approximately approximately

Stations Stations

groundwater. groundwater.

Regardless Regardless

of of

the the

ultimate ultimate source, source, it it is is likely likely that that an an inter­

Clark Clark County. County.

Figure Figure 27 27 .. .. Landslide Landslide Area, Area, Mountain Mountain Parkway, Parkway,

30 30

Clark Clark County. County.

Figure Figure 29§ 29§ Slide Slide Area, Area, Mountain Mountain Parkway, Parkway,

Area, Area, Mountain Mountain Parkway, Parkway, Clark Clark County. County.

Figure Figure 28. 28. Water-Table Water-Table Contour Contour Map Map of of Slide Slide

31 31

numerous numerous landslides landslides have have been been observed observed in in roadway roadway cuts. cuts.

further further states states that that the the material material is is unstable unstable even even on on low low slopes slopes and and that that

has has a a low low permeability permeability and and springs springs are are common common at at the the upper upper contact. contact. It It

Geologic Geologic reports reports further further point point out out that that material material of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation

being being possibly possibly suitable suitable for for the the manufacture manufacture of of common common brick brick and and tile, tile,

10 10 to to 15 15 feet feet of of the the Borden Borden Formation Formation have have also also been been indicated indicated as as

from from the the upper upper portion portion of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation and and the the lower lower

porous porous soils soils or or slow slow seepage seepage through through bedrock bedrock is is a a problem. problem. Clays Clays

useful useful as as lining lining material material for for farm farm ponds ponds where where leakage leakage through through

geological geological reports reports for for the the area area indicate indicate that that such such clays clays may may be be

References References to to clays clays of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation in in recent recent

and and often often on on the the alluvium alluvium plains plains of of Bethel Bethel Creek Creek and and Little Little Branch. Branch.

increased. increased. The The old old location location of of the the highway highway is is lower lower in in the the valleys valleys

are are much much steeper steeper and and therefore therefore the the likelihood likelihood of of landslides landslides is is

is is much much higher higher upon upon the the slopes slopes where where the the outcorps outcorps of of the the Estill Estill Shale Shale

one one mile. mile. is is noted noted It It that that the the new new location location of of KY KY 10 10 in in this this area area

occurred occurred three three small small landslides landslides within within a a length length somewhat somewhat less less than than

where where the the new new location location of of KY KY 10 10 crosses crosses Herron Herron Rill, Rill, there there have have

again again are are relatively relatively flat. flat. is is interesting interesting It It to to note, note, hmvever, hmvever, that that

on on the the very very lowest lowest ontcroppings ontcroppings of of the the Estill Estill Shales Shales where where the the slopes slopes

the the satisfactory satisfactory performance performance may may be be due due to to the the location location of of the the highway highway

satisfactory satisfactory even even though though the the relief relief is is somewhat somewhat greater. greater. However, However,

The The performance performance of of KY KY 10 10 from from Cabin Cabin Creek Creek to to Clarksburg Clarksburg is is relatively relatively

31) 31) and and occasionally occasionally by by the the Berea Sandstone (see (see Figures Figures 32 32 and and 33). 33).

Limestone; Limestone; the the higher higher Knobs Knobs are are capped capped by by the the Ohio Ohio Shale Shale (see (see Figure Figure

greater. greater. Many Many of of the the hilltops hilltops (Knobs) (Knobs) are are capped capped by by the the Bisher Bisher

develop. develop. Eastward Eastward from from Cabin Cabin Creek, Creek, the the relief relief becomes becomes significantly significantly

is is flat flat and and there there is is therefore therefore no no opportunity opportunity for for landslides landslides to to

little little difficulty difficulty in in the the area area with with slides slides simply simply because because the the area area

Estill Estill Shale Shale of of the the Crab Crab Orchard, Orchard, there there appears appears to to have have been been very very

Even Even though though the the roadway roadway of of KY KY 10 10 is is founded founded almost almost entirely entirely upon upon the the

explains explains the the relative relative success success of of highway highway construction construction in in this this area. area.

the the area area being being relatively relatively flat flat (see (see Figure Figure 30), 30), This This probably probably

the the upper upper portion, portion, occurs occurs in in a a topographic topographic region region of of very very little little relief, relief,

valleys. valleys. The The outcrop outcrop of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation, Formation, particularly, particularly,

outcrops outcrops except except in in the the lo1ver lo1ver reaches reaches of of some some of of the the small small stream stream

portion portion of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation is is the the only only material material which which

a a radius radius of of approximately approximately two two miles miles around around Tollesboro, Tollesboro, the the upper upper

in in the the upper upper portion portion of of the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation. Formation. In In an an area area with with

from from the the vicinity vicinity of of Tollesboro Tollesboro to to Clarksburg, Clarksburg, lies lies almost almost entirely entirely

which which the the Crab Crab Orchard Orchard Formation Formation outcrops outcrops extensively. extensively. KY KY 10, 10,

KY KY 10 10 in in Lewis Lewis County County traverses traverses another another area area of of the the state state in in

KY KY 10, 10, Lewis Lewis County County

32 32

Valley. Valley. Creek Creek 31. 31. Bethel' Bethel' of of Figure Figure View View

Background. Background.

in in Knobs Knobs Shale Shale Black Black Ohio Ohio Note Note Tollesboro. Tollesboro.

30. 30. Figure Figure of of Crab Crab of of Vicinity Vicinity View View in in Outcropping Outcropping Orchard Orchard ££

34 34

u.s. u.s. Geological Geological Survey, Survey, 1967). 1967).

Lewis Lewis and and Fleming Fleming Counties, Counties, Kentucky,"J.H. Kentucky,"J.H. Peck, Peck,

(from (from "Geologic "Geologic Map Map of of the the Tollesboro Tollesboro Quadrangle, Quadrangle,

Figure Figure

33. 33. Columnar Columnar Section Section for for Lewis Lewis County, County, Kentucky Kentucky

lv•nR lv•nR unit; unit; lower lower contact contact placed placed at at top top of of highest highest fossiliferous fossiliferous limestone. limestone.

gullied gullied slopes; slopes; slumps slumps readil)( readil)( in in roadcuts roadcuts and and stream stream banks. banks. Gradational Gradational with with

soma soma

brachiopod brachiopod and and bryozoan bryozoan fragments fragments in in dolomite dolomite and and Hmastone. Hmastone. Forms Forms Formation Formation

siltstone siltstone In In lenses lenses and and beds beds as as much much as as 6 6 Inches Inches thick. thick. Rare Rare megafossils; megafossils;

Drakes Drakes

dolomitic dolomitic limestone. limestone. Locally Locally

contains contains some some light"gray light"gray to to greenish-gray greenish-gray dolomitic dolomitic

20-35 20-35

Meml:ler Meml:ler

of of

of of gray gray to to yellowish-brown yellowish-brown line- to to coarse-grained coarse-grained 'argillaceous 'argillaceous dolomite dolomite and and

to to dolomitic, dolomitic, locally locally silty; silty; Preachersville Preachersville lhln lhln bedded. bedded. Contains Contains a a few few very very thin thin beds beds and and lenses lenses

Shale, Shale, grayish-green, grayish-green, locally locally reddish-purple reddish-purple near near top, top, fissile fissile to to chunky, chunky, calcareous calcareous

Upper Upper

Formation Formation

Brassfield Brassfield

ood ood Ia, Ia, greenish-gray greenish-gray

to to gray gray with with local local red red streaks, streaks, thin-bedded, thin-bedded,

40-55 40-55

and and trilobite trilobite fragments; fragments; "cogwheel" "cogwheel" crinoid crinoid zone zone present present 5 5 to to 15 15 feet feet below below top top Formation Formation

include include spars• spars• to to abundant abundant

brachiopods, brachiopods, bryozoans, bryozoans, corals, corals, crinoid crinoid columnals, columnals, Crab Crab Orchard Orchard

arsas. arsas. Petroleum residue residue occurs occurs locally. locally. foSSils, foSSils, generally generally poorly poorly preserved, preserved,

Lower Lower

part part

of of

One One or or two two beds beds of of pelletal pelletal hematitic hematitic limestone limestone present present In In upper upper part part In In soma soma

beds beds a a few few feet feet above above base. base. Locally Locally vuggy vuggy with with some some secondary secondary mineralization. mineralization.

ripple ripple marked. marked. Contain Contain very very light light gray gray chert chert as as nodulos nodulos and and in in thin thin Irregular Irregular

beds; beds; thin thin to to medium medium bedded, bedded, Irregular Irregular to to evan evan bedded, bedded, locally locally crossbedded crossbedded and and

crystalline, crystalline, some some coarse coarse grained, grained, bioclastic; bioclastic; locally locally glauconitic glauconitic especially especially in in basal basal

are are medium medium gray gray to to ll@ht ll@ht blUish blUish gray; gray; weather weather reddish reddish brown' brown' finely finely to to medium medium

lte, lte, dolomitic dolomitic limestone, limestone, and and clay clay shale: shale: Dolomite Dolomite and and dolomitic dolomitic limestone limestone

w w

and and Irregular Irregular hummocky hummocky surfaces. surfaces. Subject Subject 3 3 to to slumPing slumPing and and landslidins landslidins

Formation Formation

yields yields sulfate sulfate wator wator to to small small seeps. seeps. Forms Forms low low to to steep steep slopes slopes With With daep daep gullies gullies

oc oc

locally. locally. Locally Locally contains contains small small Orchard Orchard aggregates aggregates of of selenite selenite crystals, crystals,

and and commonly commonly

foSSilS: foSSilS: ostracods, ostracods, < < brachiopod brachiopod impressions, impressions,

and and trilobite trilobite fragmen\5 fragmen\5 present present of of Crab Crab

z z and and in in the the upper upper

50 50 feet. feet. Glauconite Glauconite locally locally abundant abundant near near base. base. Few Few mega­

Upper Upper

part part

of of yellowish-brown yellowish-brown fine-grained fine-grained silty silty dolomite, dolomite, especially especially just just above above the the base base

becomes becomes vary vary plastic plastic when when wet wet Contains Contains scattered scattered very very thin thin beds beds and and lenses lenses

yellow yellow zot\es; zot\es; thin thin bedded, bedded, obscurely obscurely laminated, laminated, fissile fissile to to chunky; chunky; a•pands a•pands and and

Clay Clay shale, shale, variegated, variegated, mostly mostly greenish-gray greenish-gray and and gray gray but but with with thin thin red, red, brown, brown, and and

lense5 lense5

pinches pinches

of of red red to to light-gray light-gray clay clay locally locally chert chert contalnln~ contalnln~ fragments. fragments. Unit Unit thins thins and and

marked marked by by undulatory undulatory surface surface of of low low relief relief and and commonly commonly by;, by;, 1- to to 2-foot 2-foot layer layer

numerous numerous springs springs at at base. base. Unit Unit forms forms karst karst topography. topography. Unconformity Unconformity at at top top

present present locally locally in in springs springs at at base. base. lower lower part part thick thick bedded, bedded, forms forms cliffs cliffs with with

columnols. columnols. Petroleum Petroleum residue residue common common in in more more porous porous beds beds and and oil oil sllcl< sllcl<

and and gastropods gastropods as as casts casts and and molds, molds, and and I I

pyrite pyrite

beds beds

Unconformity Unconformity at at base base commonly commonly marked marked by by thin thin punky punky ferrugi@US ferrugi@US zone zone

moderate moderate to to steep steep slopes; slopes; top top usually usually forms forms

prominent prominent bench bench on on hillsides. hillsides.

" "

springs springs are are common common

at at or or nsar nsar base base in in southeastern southeastern Part Part of of quadrangle. quadrangle. Forms Forms 0 0

thick thick near near basa; basa; thinner thinner lenses lenses

occur occur locally locally within within formation. formation. Mineralized Mineralized

> >

diameter. diameter. Contains Contains

lenses lenses of of graylsh-grsen graylsh-grsen clayey clayey shale shale as as much much

as as 5 5 feet feet

0 0

calcareous calcareous concretions concretions rangins rangins from from a a few few Inches Inches to to more more

than than a a foot foot In In

z z

lenses lenses of of calcareous calcareous siltstone siltstone as as much much as as 3 3 feet feet \hick, \hick,

Near Near base base contains contains

< <

locally locally fossiliferous fossiliferous with with thin-shelled thin-shelled llngulold llngulold brachiopods. brachiopods. Contain& Contain&

sparse sparse

z z

grayish-yellow grayish-yellow coatings; coatings; thin thin bedded, bedded, fissile, fissile, highly highly carbonaceous, carbonaceous, locally locally pyritic: pyritic:

Shale, Shale, dark-gray dark-gray lo lo black, black, some some brownish-black; brownish-black; weathers weathers medium medium gray gray with with local local

thin thin soil soil mantle; mantle; soil soil contains contains abundant abundant siltstMe siltstMe ct11ps. ct11ps. Lower Lower contact contact sharp sharp

thick thick generally generally present present near near base base of of unit. unit. Unit Unit forms forms moderate moderate slopes slopes with with

tine tine grained grained locally locally calcareous calcareous sandstone sandstone a a few few Inches Inches to to as as much much as as 2 2 feet feet

more more numerous numerous near near top top of of unit unit North North of of Fila Fila Hollow, Hollow, a a single single bed bed of of very very

contains contains ~lsseminated ~lsseminated Pyrite Pyrite and and

local local pyrite pyrite segregations. segregations. Siltstone Siltstone beds beds ~ ~

same same to to light light brown; brown; in in very very thin thin lenses lenses and and thin thin beds; beds; commonly commonly ripple ripple marked; marked;

separated separated by by siltstone. siltstone. Siltstone, Siltstone, very very light light gray gray to to yellowish-gray; yellowish-gray; weathers weathers

nodules; nodules; commonly commonly In In bedding bedding sets sets a a low low inches inches to to as as much much as as 3 3 feet feet thick thick

grayish grayish orange; orange; silty, silty, fissile fissile to to chunky: chunky: locally locally contains contains pyrite pyrite concretions concretions and and

slltstono: slltstono: Shale, Shale, ollve-@ray ollve-@ray to to greenish-gray; greenish-gray; weatherS weatherS light light ol1ve ol1ve gray gray I• I• " "

of of shale shale and and siltstone siltstone Gradational Gradational with with underlylna underlylna unit. unit. Thins Thins southward; southward; not not

common common on on bedding bedding surfaces; surfaces; uMos>iliferous. uMos>iliferous. Conta,ns Conta,ns thin thin beds beds and and partings partings

moderately moderately well well cemented; cemented; thin thin and and even even With With bedde~ bedde~ oscillation oscillation ripple ripple marks marks

well well sortod, sortod, angular angular to to subangular subangular Quartz Quartz with with minor minor pyrite pyrite and and mica, mica, poorly poorly to to

orange; orange; ver~ ver~