Stabilization and geoenvironmental restoration of the main central channel in the Fucino plain, Italy – A case history

The Fucino Lake, once one of the largest lakes in Italy (about 170 km2), was completely drained in 1854-76. The main central channel is still at present the most important catchment drain of the reclaimed Fucino plain. The banks of the channels, excavated in soft silty-clayey soils, have been subjected in the past to a series of sliding/erosion phenomena, which caused partial filling and reduction of the hydraulic capacity of the channel. This paper illustrates the engineering process followed for design of the remedial works, taking into account the nature of the soils, the environmental peculiariry of the site and the high seismicity of the region. An in situ soil improvement technique (jet-grouting) was chosen as the most suitable for the stabilization works, which enabled to restore the full hydraulic capacity of the channel and improve the stability of the banks without damaging the natural environment.