Structural data treatment to define rockfall susceptibility using long range laser scanner

Abstract

Laser scanning techniques are nowadays more and more used in engineering geology in order to assess slope stability. In this study it is described an application of a new Terrestrial Laser Scanner that offers an extremely long measurement range and the procedure applied in geologic data treatment. Point cloud, 3D models, “solid images” and DEM generated from Terrestrial Laser Scanner survey were managed with Ad Hoc, a software platform with specific tools for geologic and geomechanic analysis. The assessment of rockfall prone area has been developed according to two approaches: deterministic and empirical. In the first case the detection of potentially unstable blocks, typically done with field surveys in case of outcrops of limited extension, were performed directly on the point cloud and on solid images. In the second case GIS tools were used allowing to apply the geomechanic classification SMR Romana for each pixel. Results obtained from both approaches is compared as a further data validation procedure.