The alternatives alignment of Tekir-Tarsus connection

A motorway which has 140 km length and its connections have been constructed among Tekir-Tarsus and Mersin. This motorway has been located cross the Ecemiş fault in places which is active. It has been extended parallel to this fault occasionally. In this study, the detailed engineering geology of Tekir- Tarsus connection have been completed. General geology, structural geology, engineering properties and distribution units, hidrogeological characteristics of the region was investigated, where a major landslide, approximately 3 km long, has been found. The main instability problems induced by various geotechnical models was also examined. As a result of slope excavation, previously active landslides were reactivated so that together with new slides, the mechanism of movements including the remedial works for stabilization was attributed. Alternative route locations, probably more safe and economical, were also considered. As a conclusion of this study, determination of motorway and its connections as a first step of the project; geological and geotechnical researches are very important and they decrease the cost and the construction time with a factor of 1/5.