Buildings B

Maintei3.2. l(d) Defects in Slopes and Retaining Walls (continues)(ii) Natural, cut and man-made slopes should beregularly inspected to clear loose stones andboulders as well as undesirable vegetationthat may damage the slope surface coveror drainage. Retaining walls should bemonitored, in particular the integrity of structureand the performance of its drainage system.Some retaining walls may have monitoring f%devices installed which should be checkedby competent persons regularly. Strengtheningv:of slopes and retaining walls, if required, shouldbe carried out promptly and whenever possiblecompleted before the rainy seasons.Most slope or retaining wall failuresare associated with water. Slopesadjoining water courses have tobe more frequently monitored.Prolonged rainfall, blocked subsoildrainage, broken surface channels,deteriorated surface coverings,surge of ground water table arecontributing factors to slope orretaining wall failure.(iv)Defects of slopes or soil-retaining structures are:Accumulated debris in drainagechannelsVegetation causing cracking ofslope surface cover and drainagechannelsMissing or deteriorated pointingin masonry retaining wallsUNDERSTANDING BUILDINGMAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT