Studies of soil degradation, synthetic evaluation of the direct consequences on the landslides of bridges in Southern-Guinea

Abstract

The lifespans of bridges have become very short in Guinea. They partially collapse, until they fall completely. To understand this scourge and provide some answers, we have conducted more than fifty surveys among neighboring populations and certain professional services (those in charge of studies: climatic; hydrological; agricultural and public works). One problem emerges in common: soil degradation. Lola (border town with the Ivory Coast) is said to have cut itself off from the rest of Guinea after heavy rain. Because? The bridge that linked it to the rest of the country would have collapsed after a complete degradation of its support: the ground. In Kérouané (another city in Guinea), landslides are permanent and cause certain bridges to collapse. The results of our surveys show that with the alternation of the seasons, these soils (lacking scientific and professional studies) undergo degradation and lose their initial states of stability. Our research work and their results support the need for a basic geotechnical study before the start of any project. This could prevent any probable socio-economic impact caused by soil degradation in the regions.