Subsidence and landslides

SGI’s work on landslide prevention includes:

Support in physical planning
Municipal physical planning is the most important tool for preventing new developments on unsuitable ground. Local authorities can submit detailed development and master plans for review. We assess whether the plans are safe from a geotechnical perspective.

Mapping landslide risks, quick clay, and erosion
SGI produces maps that show areas at risk of landslides, the presence of quick clay, and erosion. These maps can be used in the planning of new developments.

Monitoring ground stability in the Göta River Valley
where the probability of landslides is high. We carry out geotechnical investigations and support municipalities along the river with expertise. We also administer government grants for landslide prevention along the Göta River.

Surveying landslide risks along various watercourses
Since 2009, SGI has been mapping landslide risks along Sweden’s watercourses, beginning with the Göta River Investigation.

Our geotechnical laboratory is a national resource
for geotechnical analysis. Among other things, we develop improved methods for describing the technical properties of soils.

Municipalities in built-up areas
can also apply for government grants for preventive measures against natural hazards from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). SGI supports MSB in its evaluation of applications for such funding.

Conducting research and development
on ground suitability for construction and how building practices can be better adapted to climate change.

On-call expert service
If a landslide occurs, SGI supports the emergency services with geotechnical expertise to help minimise damage. We always have an on-call duty officer available.