TRACK 2, DAY 2
Innovative Vegetated Slope Stabilization Along the DVP Using Soil Nailing and HPTRM
Anna Paris, Maccaferri and Reuben Shanthikumar, City of Toronto
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. | Hall F
ABSTRACT
The Don Valley Parkway (DVP) Slope Stabilization at Dallimore Circle in Toronto, Ontario, addressed long-standing instability within an 18-20 m high slope adjacent to major transportation and residential infrastructure.
Historical tension cracks and low factors of safety in silty clay soils necessitated a comprehensive stabilization strategy. Following detailed geotechnical investigations and slope stability modelling, an innovative solution combining soil nailing and a High-Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM) was selected for its structural effectiveness and minimal environmental impact.
Soil nails ranging from 5.5 m to 9 m in length at 2.5 m spacing were installed, complemented by surface drainage improvements and 2 m-deep trench counterfort drains to reduce groundwater-driven pore pressures and achieve the required factors of safety.
To control surficial sloughing and ensure long-term erosion resistance, the HPTRM was used as a flexible facing system. It provides immediate surface protection, supports rapid vegetation establishment, and allows for a fully vegetated slope that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
A site-specific seed mix and hardy vegetation species were selected to minimize long-term maintenance—an essential consideration given limited access, steep terrain, and the proximity of high-speed DVP traffic, all of which constrain safe maintenance operations.
The presentation will demonstrate how the integration of engineered reinforcement, enhanced drainage, and ecologically driven vegetation design resulted in a durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally compatible slope restoration.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Anna Paris, Maccaferri
Anna Paris is a Business Development Manager with Maccaferri North America. She has 15+ years of experience in national and international projects concerning flood protection, drainage, erosion control, stream restoration and slope stabilization, from design to construction.
She obtained her MSc in Environmental Engineering (Water Resources and Land Protection) at the University of Trento (Italy) and was a visiting scientist at CSU in Fort Collins, CO (USA) working on sediment transport and river hydraulics projects.
Reuben Shanthikumar, City of Toronto
Reuben Shanthikumar is a seasoned project engineer with a proven track record in the design and oversight of diverse infrastructure projects across both public and private sectors.
Expertise includes a robust foundation in project coordination and management, contract preparation, and bidding processes. Highly proficient in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools, including AutoCAD and Bentley, complemented by a comprehensive blend of academic knowledge (B.Eng and Civil Engineering Diploma).