scholarly journals Integrated Procedure for Monitoring and Assessment of Linear Infrastructures Safety (I-Pro MONALISA) Affected by Slope Instability

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
pp. 5535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donato Infante ◽  
Diego Di Martire ◽  
Domenico Calcaterra ◽  
Pietro Miele ◽  
Anna Scotto di Santolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Campania Region ◽  
Linear Infrastructure ◽  
Optimal Functions ◽  
Satellite Radar ◽  
Slope Instabilities ◽  
Damage Susceptibility ◽  
Linear Infrastructures

The occurrence of geological events such as landslides is one of the main causes of damage along linear infrastructures: Damage to transport infrastructures, as roads, bridges, and railways, can restrict their optimal functions and contribute to traffic accidents. The frequent and accurate monitoring of slope instability phenomena and of their interaction with existing man-made infrastructures plays a key role in risk prevention and mitigation activities. In this way, the use of high-resolution X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, characterized by short revisiting times, has demonstrated to be a powerful tool for a periodical noninvasive monitoring of ground motion and superstructure stability, aimed at improving the efficiency of inspection, repairing, and rehabilitation efforts. In the present work, we suggest a semiautomatic GIS approach, which, by using satellite radar interferometry data and results of geomorphological field survey integrated in a qualitative vulnerability matrix, allows to identify sections with different levels of damage susceptibility, where detailed conventional in situ measurements are required for further analysis. The procedure has been tested to investigate landslide-induced effects on a linear infrastructure in Campania Region (Italy), the Provincial Road “P.R. 264”, which is affected, along its linear development, by several slope instabilities. COSMO-SkyMed interferometric products, as indicator of ground kinematics, and results of in situ damage survey, as indicator of consequences, have been merged in a qualitative 4 × 4 matrix, thus obtaining a vulnerability zoning map along a linear infrastructure in January 2015. Furthermore, an updating of landslide inventory map is provided: In addition to 24 official landslides pre-mapped in 2012, 30 new events have been identified, and corresponding intensity and state of activity has been detected.

scholarly journals Quantifying exposure of linear infrastructures to earthquake-triggered transverse landslides in permafrost thawing slopes

2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 1002-1012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behrang Dadfar ◽  
M. Hesham El Naggar ◽  
Miroslav Nastev
Keyword(s):  
Pore Water Pressure ◽  
Water Pressure ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Seismic Slope Stability ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Ground Deformations ◽  
Linear Infrastructure ◽  
Actual Field ◽  
Permafrost Thawing ◽  
Linear Infrastructures

Seismic shaking can cause slope instability in otherwise relatively stable permafrost terrains. In addition, rapid ice melting in low-permeability fine-grained soils can lead to excess pore-water pressure build-up and cause instability in slopes even at small angles. This study addresses the active-layer detachment (ALD) slope instability hazard and develops a systematic risk assessment framework for existing and future linear infrastructures, such as energy pipelines, bridges, and roads traversing permafrost regions. Mild slopes, with average gradient of 7°, are considered in this study as the most representative of actual field conditions. The potential for earthquake-triggered ALD is analytically quantified. State-of-the-art ALD morphological statistics for northern Canada are combined with seismic slope stability analyses to determine (i) the probability of linear infrastructure exposure to permanent ground deformations (PGDs) caused by ALD and (ii) the extent of the potential PGD that the linear infrastructure may be subjected to. The Monte Carlo technique is applied to simulate and assess the sensitivity of the model to parameters such as earthquake magnitude and source-to-site distance. Findings from this study can be used to evaluate the vulnerability of linear infrastructures exposed to the ALD hazard.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) time-lapse monitoring of the instability processes affecting Varano Hill: A case study of the ancient Roman site of Villa Arianna

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Somma ◽  
Alfredo Trocciola ◽  
Daniele Spizzichino ◽  
Alessandro Fedele ◽  
Gabriele Leoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Morphological Evolution ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Slope Instabilities

<p>The archaeological site of Villa Arianna - located on Varano Hill, south of Vesuvius - offer tantalizing information regarding first-century AD resilience to hydrogeological risk. Additionally, the site provides an important test case for mitigation efforts of current and future geo-hazard. Villa Arianna, notable in particular for its wall frescoes, is part of a complex of Roman villas built between 89 BC and AD 79 in the ancient coastal resort area of Stabiae. This villa complex is located on a morphological terrace that separates the ruins from the present-day urban center of Castellammare di Stabia. The Varano hill is formed of alternating pyroclastic deposits, from the Vesuvius Complex, and alluvial sediments, from the Sarno River. The area, in AD 79, was completely covered by PDCs from the Plinian eruption of Vesuvius. Due to the geomorphological structure the slope is prone to slope instability phenomena that are mainly represented by earth and debris flows, usually triggered by heavy rainfall. The susceptibility is worsened by changes in hydraulic and land-use conditions mainly caused by lack of maintenance of mitigation works. Villa Arianna is the subject of a joint pilot project of the INGV-ENEA-ISPRA that includes non-invasive monitoring techniques such as the use of UAVs to study the areas of the slope at higher risk of instability. The project, in particular, seeks to implement innovative mitigation solutions that are non-destructive to the cultural heritage. UAVs represent the fastest way to produce high-resolution 3D models of large sites and allow archaeologists to collect accurate spatial data that can be used for 3D GIS analyses. Through this pilot project, we have used detailed 3D models and high-resolution ortho-images for new analyses and documentation of the site and to map the slope instabilities that threatens the Villa Arianna site. Through multi-temporal analyses of different data acquisitions, we intend to define the detailed morphological evolution of the entire Varano slope. These analyses will allow us to highlight priority areas for future low-impact mitigation interventions.</p>

scholarly journals Mitigating Tropical Forest Fragmentation with Natural and Semi-Artificial Canopy Bridges

Diversity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Balbuena ◽  
Alfonso Alonso ◽  
Margot Panta ◽  
Alan Garcia ◽  
Tremaine Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Tropical Forest ◽  
Forest Fragmentation ◽  
Gas Pipeline ◽  
Peruvian Amazon ◽  
Right Of Way ◽  
Natural Gas Pipeline ◽  
Linear Infrastructure ◽  
Linear Infrastructures

Fragmentation caused by linear infrastructures is a threat to forest-dwelling wildlife globally. Loss of canopy connectivity is particularly problematic for highly arboreal species such as those of the Neotropics. We explored the use of both natural canopy bridges (NCBs) and a semi-artificial one over a natural gas pipeline right-of-way (RoW) in the Peruvian Amazon to provide more information on both a proven and a novel solution to the problem of fragmentation. We monitored seven NCBs over 14 months and found crossing rates higher than previously recorded (57.70 crossings/100 trap nights by 16 species). We also constructed a semi-artificial canopy bridge (SACB) out of a liana and found it to be used quickly (seven days after installation) and frequently (90.23 crossings/100 trap nights—nearly nightly) by five species (two procyonids, one didelphid, one primate, and one rodent). This information contributes to our knowledge of mitigation solutions for fragmentation. As linear infrastructure grows globally, more solutions must be developed and tested.

scholarly journals Stability Assessment of Landslides in Dahuaqiao Reservoir Area Based on Back Analysis of Slope Monitoring

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Yu-xiao Wang ◽  
Yu-jie Wang ◽  
Long Jiang ◽  
Ping Sun ◽  
Xingchao Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Back Analysis ◽  
In Situ Monitoring ◽  
Hydropower Project ◽  
Slope Failures ◽  
Reservoir Water ◽  
Reservoir Water Level ◽  
Reservoir Area ◽  
Reservoir Impoundment ◽  
Slope Instabilities

Dahuaqiao Hydropower Station is the sixth cascade hydropower project on the upper stream of the Lancang River, and a number of slope instabilities were found in the reservoir area before reservoir impoundment. The reservoir impoundment and fluctuation of the reservoir water level generally reactivate these potential slope failures or trigger new ones. Therefore, how to cope with the influence of these slope failures on dam safety has always been the focus of attention. However, it is unwise to stabilize all these potentially instable slopes by remedial measures. Based on a two-parameter and four-level back analysis method proposed in this paper, reasonable measures for landslide management are suggested on the basis of the in situ monitoring results and back analysis of geomaterial strength parameters.

Applying InfraRed Thermography (IRT) for the protection and conservation of rupestrian CH sites affected by slope instabilities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Frodella ◽  
Daniele Spizzichino ◽  
Giovanni Gigli ◽  
Mikheil Elashvili ◽  
Claudio Margottini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Thermography ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Slope Instabilities

<p>Rupestrian Cultural Heritage (CH) sites were among the first man-made works in the history of humanity, therefore playing a key role in building the memory and roots of human society. These sites were often carved in slopes formed by soft rocks, which due to their peculiar lithological, geotechnical and morpho-structural features are often prone to weathering, deterioration and slope instability issues. The use of advanced remote sensing (RS) techniques combined with traditional methods (e.g. field surveys, laboratory analysis), can provide fundamental data to implement a specific site-specific and inter-disciplinary approach for the sustainable protection and conservation of rupestrian CH sites. In this context Infrared Thermography (IRT), thanks to the technological development of portable high-resolution and cost-effective thermal imaging cameras, can be profitably used for the detection of CH conservation issues (namely fractures, water seepage, moisture and surface weathering). In this paper several applications of IRT in integrated methodologies for rupestrian sites conservation in mountainous regions of Georgia will be presented. The aim of this work is to evaluate the potential of IRT in the field of CH protection and conservation strategies, in order to provide a useful versatile and low-cost tool, to be profitably used in management plans of rupestrian CH characterized by similar contexts. Advantages and constraints of the adopted method will be discussed, as well as general operative recommendations and future perspectives.</p>

Exploring the use of machine-learning techniques to integrate ground- and remote sensing-based observations for efficient near-surface soil moisture mapping

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Schönbrodt-Stitt ◽  
Paolo Nasta ◽  
Nima Ahmadian ◽  
Markus Kurtenbach ◽  
Christopher Conrad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Surface Soil ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Surface Soil Moisture ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Campania Region

<p>Mapping near-surface soil moisture (<em>θ</em>) is of tremendous relevance for a broad range of environment-related disciplines and meteorological, ecological, hydrological and agricultural applications. Globally available products offer the opportunity to address <em>θ</em> in large-scale modelling with coarse spatial resolution such as at the landscape level. However, <em>θ</em> estimation at higher spatial resolution is of vital importance for many small-scale applications. Therefore, we focus our study on a small-scale catchment (MFC2) belonging to the “Alento” hydrological observatory, located in southern Italy (Campania Region). The goal of this study is to develop new machine-learning approaches to estimate high grid-resolution (about 17 m cell size) <em>θ</em> maps from mainly backscatter measurements retrieved from C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) based on Sentinel-1 (S1) images and from gridded terrain attributes. Thus, a workflow comprising a total of 48 SAR-based <em>θ</em> patterns estimated for 24 satellite overpass dates (revisit time of 6 days) each with ascendant and descendent orbits will be presented. To enable for the mapping, SAR-based <em>θ</em> data was calibrated with in-situ measurements carried out with a portable device during eight measurement campaigns at time of satellite overpasses (four overpass days in total with each ascendant and descendent satellite overpasses per day in November 2018). After the calibration procedure, data validation was executed from November 10, 2018 till March 28, 2019 by using two stationary sensors monitoring <em>θ</em> at high-temporal (1-min recording time). The specific sensor locations reflected two contrasting field conditions, one bare soil plot (frequently kept clear, without disturbance of vegetation cover) and one non-bare soil plot (real-world condition). Point-scale ground observations of <em>θ</em> were compared to pixel-scale (17 m × 17 m), SAR-based <em>θ</em> estimated for those pixels corresponding to the specific positions of the stationary sensors. Mapping performance was estimated through the root mean squared error (RMSE). For a short-term time series of <em>θ</em> (Nov 2018) integrating 136 in situ, sensor-based <em>θ</em> (<em>θ</em><sub>insitu</sub>) and 74 gravimetric-based <em>θ</em> (<em>θ</em><sub>gravimetric</sub>) measurements during a total of eight S1 overpasses, mapping performance already proved to be satisfactory with RMSE=0.039 m³m<sup>-</sup>³ and R²=0.92, respectively with RMSE=0.041 m³m<sup>-</sup>³ and R²=0.91. First results further reveal that estimated satellite-based <em>θ</em> patterns respond to the evolution of rainfall. With our workflow developed and results, we intend to contribute to improved environmental risk assessment by assimilating the results into hydrological models (e.g., HydroGeoSphere), and to support future studies on combined ground-based and SAR-based <em>θ</em> retrieval for forested land (future missions operating at larger wavelengths e.g. NISARL-band, Biomass P-band sensors).</p>

Continental slope sedimentation in the Sheepbed Formation (Neoproterozoic, Windermere Supergroup), Mackenzie Mountains, N.W.T.

1996 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 848-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. W. Dalrymple ◽  
G. M. Narbonne
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Continental Slope ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Windermere Supergroup ◽  
Mackenzie Mountains ◽  
Water Depths

The Sheepbed Formation (Ediacaran) is a 1 km thick, siliciclastic unit that overlies glacial deposits of the Ice Brook Formation and is overlain by carbonates of the Gametrail Formation. Observations in the Mackenzie Mountains indicate that the Sheepbed Formation accumulated in water depths of 1–1.5 km on a passive-margin, continental slope. The lower part of the formation consists predominately of dark mudstone. Fine-grained, turbiditic sandstone becomes more abundant upward, as does the scale and abundance of slope-instability indicators. Mesoscale facies successions (i.e., evidence of channels, lobes, and (or) compensation cycles) are developed in the upper half of the formation. The larger-scale changes are interpreted as reflecting a postglacial sea-level rise, followed by a relative fall and an increase in the rate of deposition. Contourites that may have been formed in response to the circulation of deep, cold water occur in the lowstand deposits. Their presence confirms previous speculation that the proto-Pacific Ocean was initiated at the beginning of Windermere deposition (ca. 780 Ma), not at the start of the Cambrian. The paleoflow direction toward the present-day northwest suggests that this part of Laurentia lay in the northern hemisphere. In situ Ediacaran megafossils are preserved on the soles of sandy turbidites; the deep-water setting indicates that these organisms were not photoautotrophs.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Influence of In Situ Stress on the Stability of Mine Pit Walls: A Case Study of Songwe Mine

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. p1
Author(s):  
Dyson Moses ◽  
Hideki Shimada ◽  
Takashi Sasaoka ◽  
Akihiro Hamanaka ◽  
Tumelo K. M Dintwe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Regions ◽  
Horizontal Stress ◽  
In Situ Stress ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Open Pit ◽  
Stress Regime ◽  
Tectonically Active ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Impact

The investigation of the influence of in situ stress in Open Pit Mine (OPM) projects has not been accorded a deserved attention despite being a fundamental concern in the design of underground excavations. Hence, its long-term potential adverse impacts on pit slope performance are overly undermined. Nevertheless, in mines located in tectonically active settings with a potential high horizontal stress regime like the Songwe mine, the impact could be considerable. Thus, Using FLAC3D 5.0 software, based on Finite Difference Method (FDM) code, we assessed the role of stress regimes as a potential triggering factor for slope instability in Songwe mine. The results of the evaluated shearing contours and quantified strain rate and displacement values reveal that high horizontal stress can reduce the stability performance of the pit-wall in spite of the minimal change in Factor of Safety (FoS). Since mining projects have a long life span, it would be recommendable to consider “in situ stress-stability analyses” for OPM operations that would be planned to extend to greater depths and those located in tectonically active regions.

Quantitative and Comparative Analysis of Slope Instability in Karaj-Chaloos Road (Karaj-Gachsar section) and the Under-Construction Highway of Tehran-North (Tehran-Soleghan section) Using Logistic Regression Method

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keristineh Jananeh
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Regression Method ◽  
High Potential ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
The Caspian Sea ◽  
Logistic Regression Method ◽  
Slope Instabilities ◽  
Very High

<p>The Karaj-Chaloos road and the Tehran-North highway are two routes that connect the capital Tehran with the southern shores of the Caspian Sea. This contribution aims to study slope instabilities along these roads (Karaj-Gachsar and Tehran-Soleghan sections, respectively) using logistic regression method. In this regard, 14 layers of effective factors were created in the GIS environment and then correlated with the existing instabilities and their density was calculated. Results obtained by applying logistic regression model showed that the most important factors affecting the slope instabilities in the Karaj-Gachsar road area are distance from river, climate and SPI, while those for the Tehran-Soleghan road area are distance from fault and road and climate. According to the prepared maps, the southern and middle parts of the Karaj-Gachsar road, as well as another part in the northwest of the study area have the highest potential for the occurrence of landslides, whereas in the Tehran-Soleghan road area, the middle and southern parts and a small section in the north of the area have the highest potential for landslide occurrence. 34.95% of the Karaj road area has medium to high potential for the occurrence of slope instabilities and 4.97% of this area has very high potential. It is while 27.14% of the Soleghan road area possesses medium to high potential for instabilities and 4.57% of it exhibits very high risk. By comparing these two areas, it is conceivable that areas with medium to high potential of slop instabilities in the Soleghan road area are less than those of the Karaj road area (27.24% and 34.95%, respectively). However, the percentage of instabilities occurred in the Soleghan road area is much higher (86.26%) than the Karaj road area (54.87%). Finally, it can be mentioned that the logistic regression model was effectively applicable for preparing the zonation of the instability occurrence probability along the slopes overlooking the studied roads. It can also be concluded that in addition to natural factors, the human-made factors and particularly unsystematic road construction can play an important role in the landslide occurrences on the slopes overlooking the roads and in order to reduce the relative risks and increase the stability of the slopes, it is necessary to avoid manipulating the ecosystem and changing the current land use as much as possible, along with policy making for constructions in accordance with geomorphological and geological features of the area.</p>

scholarly journals Origin and assessment of deep groundwater inflow in the Ca' Lita landslide using hydrochemistry and in situ monitoring

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 4205-4221 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Cervi ◽  
F. Ronchetti ◽  
G. Martinelli ◽  
T. A. Bogaard ◽  
A. Corsini
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Flow ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Major Ions ◽  
Pore Water Pressure ◽  
Water Pressure ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
In Situ Monitoring ◽  
Water Inflow ◽  
Groundwater Levels

Abstract. Changes in soil water content, groundwater flow and a rise in pore water pressure are well-known causal or triggering factors for hillslope instability. Rainfall and snowmelt are generally assumed as the main sources of groundwater recharge. This assumption neglects the role of deep water inflow in highly tectonized areas, a factor that can influence long-term pore-pressure regimes and play a role on local slope instability. This paper aims to assess the origin of groundwater in the Ca' Lita landslide (northern Italian Apennines) and to qualify and quantify the aliquot attributable to deep water inflow. The research is essentially based on in situ monitoring and hydrochemical analyses. It involved 5 yr of continuous monitoring of groundwater levels, electrical conductivity and temperature and with groundwater sampling followed by determination of major ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, HCO3−, SO42−), tracers (such as Btot and Sr2+), and isotopes (δ18O, δ2H and 3H). Leaching experiments on soil samples, hydrochemical modelling and water recharge estimation were also carried out. Results show that the groundwater balance in the Ca' Lita landslide must take into account an inflow of deep and highly mineralised Na-SO4 water (more than 9500 μS cm−1) with non-negligible amounts of Cl− (up to 800 mg l−1). The chemical and isotopic fingerprint of this water points to oilfield water hosted at large depths in the Apennine chain and that uprises through a regional fault line crossing the landslide area. It recharges the aquifer hosted in the bedrock underlying the sliding surface (at a rate of about 49 000–85 700 m3 yr−1) and it also partly recharges the landslide body. In both the aquifers, the hydrochemical imprint of deep water mixed with rainfall and snowmelt water was observed. This indicates a probable influence of deep water inflow on the mobility of the Ca' Lita landslide, a finding that could be applicable to other large landslides occurring in highly tectonized areas in the northern Apennines or in other mountain chains. The paper demonstrates that hydrochemistry should, therefore, be considered as a valuable investigation method to define hydrogeological limits and the groundwater sources in hillslope and to assess groundwater flow patterns in deep-seated landslides.

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