Three-dimensional slope stability analysis using laser scanning and numerical simulation

Abstract

Detailed surface topography is important when analyzing the stability of slopes. Recent advances in new technologies such as interferometric synthetic aperture radar and light detection and ranging have allowed us to obtain high-precision profiles of distant landscapes and objects including detailed slope information for three-dimensional (3D) slope stability analysis. However, techniques of reconstructing 3D numerical models from scanned data of slope geometry have not been well investigated or tested. This paper proposes a comprehensive approach that integrates laser scanning and finite element method for slope stability analysis, particularly failure prediction under precipitation scenarios. The methodology is applied to a slope in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken mountainous region that failed in 2013, triggered by severe rainfall. The modelling results show that the surface sampling resolution can affect the prediction accuracy of the potential failure zones. When constructing the slope model, the selected surface grid should be fine enough to capture the important topographic features of the slope while minimizing computation demand. This paper confirms that the proposed method can be successfully used to identify the potential failure zones of the investigated slope under severe rainfall conditions.

Study of Deformation and Fault Mechanisms in Bedding-Locked Rock Slope

“…To observe the test process, the deformation and fault characteristics of the slop model were analyzed using a 3D laser scanner. Based on the analysis of displacement and acoustic emission data collected during the test, the slope model revealed varying degree of fault in response to different loads [33][34][35][36][37]. The DH3821 data acquisition system was used to collect the displacement response data of the model under each load condition, in conjunction with the displacement sensor and the acoustic emission acquisition system.…”

“…The first step in the FLAC 3D simulation calculation is the selection of the calculation model, which generalizes the actual slope model based on the research purpose and the size and complexity of the calculation model [37]. For this test, the simulation analysis uses the numerical calculation model shown in Figure 19, in which only the upper part and the sliding surface can be freely deformed, while all other surfaces are static.…”

Assessment of Accuracy in the Identification of Rock Formations from Aerial and Terrestrial Laser-Scanning Data

“…Modeling and assessing the accuracy of rock formations is now more or less reduced to monitoring the stability of slopes and rock blocks and performed in the case of laser scanning from terrestrial static stations [28,29]. Regarding the assessment of accuracy of rock formations from airborne laser scanning, it is obvious that the point cloud density on these objects is several times lower and is influenced by a different scanning direction.…”

Discontinuity Mapping using Terrestrial Laser Scanner and Kinematic Method

“…Quantification of their characteristics consequently represents a major initial step instability analysis [3]. Recent developments in terrestrial remote sensing techniques such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) have allowed the user to obtain high-precision profiles of distant landscapes and objects including detailed slope information for three-dimensional (3D) slope stability analysis [4] and data of inaccessible outcrops [5].…”