Validation and interpretation of monitored behavior of slopes vulnerable to failure

Abstract

Monitoring and early warning is one of the most promising ways toward reduction of disasters induced by landslides and slope instabilities. Although less costly than construction of retaining walls and other mechanical measures, early warning has several problems to be overcome. First, it is often the case that the exact location of an unstable soil mass is not defined and hence the location of monitoring sensors cannot be decided. This problem can be solved by installing many low-cost sensors within a possibly unstable slope. The second problem concerns what information of slope should be monitored. The present study has developed a low-cost MEM sensor unit that can monitor slope deformation during heavy rainfall. A wireless network collects signals from the sensors periodically and helps the local government issuing an alert signal or emergency evacuation order, depending upon the progress of tilting. It is further important that the low cost of the sensors allow individuals to purchase personally and installs them in order to protect themselves from slope disasters. The developed equipments have been deployed in several slopes in the recent times for validation of their field performances. The present text reviews the obtained records and discusses their use for practice. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.