The RTA/RMS/TfNSW Guide to Slope Risk Analysis (The Guide) is largely the work of the late Ian Stewart assisted by a small group of consultants. The first full course in The Guide following publication of Version 3.1 was held in February 2002 for internal RTA geotechnical staff. Training courses for external consultants kicked off in late 2004.
The course (V3.1 and V4) was run mainly in southern NSW (2002-2019) with a few courses run in northern NSW (2002- 2011). Since 2022 NSW courses are based in Lithgow. QLD and NZ have introduced their own training courses based on Ian’s gruelling 5-day schedule. Over 600 geotechncial professionals have participated in the program.
Training provided for the commencement of the wider RTA Slope Risk Analysis program. The program has been highly successful in reducing overall risk from landslides to the NSW road network. There are currently close to 10,000 slopes in the RTA (TfNSW) slopes database. As many slopes have been reassessed, some multiple times, the total number of SRA is in the order of 20,000+.
The guide is now used to assess slope risk on road networks in most Australian states and the ACT, and has also been adopted by NZTA. QLD and NZ have introduced their own training courses.
First attempt at V3.1 site sketch Yellow Pinch Cutting – M Hendrickx Feb 2002
To mark this occasion and celebrate Ian’s legacy, I’m working with a small number of professional colleagues on collating a history of the development of The Guide, its application and impact. This is intended for publication to my company website (marchgeo.com) and would also be condensed into a paper to be submitted to the AGS Journal. Timing is planned for early 2027.
There may also be a celebratory lunch or dinner!
I’m looking for contributions from others who have completed the training and have applied the method. If you have a short story, recollection, photos or other memorable event related to The Guide, training program or use of the system – good or bad, I would love to hear from you. These would be published to the website, with the best perhaps getting into the proposed journal article. If you would like to make these anonymously, let me know.
Leave a comment if you can assist.
Thanks
Marc Hendrickx
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