Characterization of failure modes and planned stabilization measures for the Ajanta caves in India

• The study is conducted such that no foot-marks shall be left at World Heritage site.
• Studied geological mode of development of the boulder field.
• Applied rock mass characterizations to decide boulder stabilization philosophy.
• Recommended the various stabilization measures considering the esthetic value.

The Ajanta caves are classified as a UNESCO World-heritage monument, where ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves from the Second Century BC to 6th Century AD are found. The caves were carved manually in Basaltic rock mass in the Deccan trap basaltic flow of the Ajanta Formation of the Sahyadri Group in the Upper Cretaceous age. In the Ajanta caves, the hillside slopes are predominantly covered by surface boulders. Boulder dislocations caused by long-term rock mass deterioration, distressing, water percolation and weathering for a strike length of 600 m, and a height of 75 m; are a major concern when considering the safety of both visitors and site personnel, as well as with regard to the preservation of the historic UNESCO World Heritage site. This study was carried out to assess and characterize the formation of boulders with possible stabilization measures to be planned of a boulder field and slope surface is described and discussed herewith. The possible geological mode of development of the boulder field, rock mass characterization of slope, boulder stabilization philosophy is presented herewith along with planned various stabilization measures considering the esthetic value of the World Heritage site at Ajanta.