Consulting activities for geotechnical investigations for Express road A2 Rankovce – Kriva Palanka, Republic of N. Macedonia

Summary

Abstract

The A2 express road section Stracin–Kriva Palanka represents a major infrastructure project of strategic importance for the northeastern region of the Republic of North Macedonia. Due to the complex engineering-geological and morphological conditions of the terrain, a total of 50 slopes were designed and constructed within the project. Detailed engineering-geological control was carried out for each slope, including field geological mapping and, where required, additional geotechnical investigations. Potential and active instabilities were identified, and both verification and back-analyses of slope stability were performed. Based on the obtained results, optimized technical solutions were proposed and harmonized with the actual engineering-geological conditions, with particular emphasis on slope inclinations, berms, anchoring systems, protective meshes, and bioengineering measures. The process was accompanied by continuous analysis of ongoing and planned activities, as well as verification and approval of design modifications. The implemented engineering-geological activities were evaluated from geotechnical, techno-economic, economic, and visual perspectives, with the aim of ensuring stable, safe, and long-term sustainable road infrastructure.