Monitoring of slopes and landslide areas

Total Monitoring is the combination of data from geodetic monitoring sensors (total stations, GNSS or levels) with geotechnical and environmental sensors (tilt sensors, inclinometers/IPI, piezometers, weather stations, etc.) and interferometric radar. It provides the complete picture about events occurring aiding greater understanding of slope instability and movements.

Why monitoring is critical in landslide areas:

1. To predict landslide events and with that, provide time for safe evacuation with early warnings indicating failures by monitoring unstable slopes. Also, monitoring facilitates the study of different mitigation techniques and ground stabilisation effectiveness, allowing geological or geotechnical experts to accurately model slope deformation, which protects people and infrastructure with minimal disruption.
2. To report hazard events in a danger area by providing information from measurements as early as possible when a landslide occurs, to inform of the movement magnitude, so any danger can be assessed immediately. Landslides can obstruct, damage or destroy transportation links and critical infrastructure, in addition to putting lives at risk. Therefore an automated early warning system is essential to provide information to mitigate the risks from such hazards. Records pre/post event are critical to aid understanding of why landslides occur.
3. To measure subsequent movements after a landslide event and monitoring of the settling ground allows authorities to assess and manage any further risks to the nearby population or infrastructure, allowing a safe, but quick return to normal life. 
4. To assess movements caused by human impact where intrusive activities such as quarrying, excavation or construction near slopes may cause instability or even slope failure. Monitoring allows the risks to be safely assessed and managed.
5. To assess movements caused by environmental events such as earthquakes, temperature change, flooding, deforestation or re-shaping of slopes, that lead to instability and movement. Historic records of change over time are very important for future impact assessments for other slopes in similar environments.

This video provides helpful examples of monitoring installations in a landslide area. It's important to keep in mind that each monitoring project is unique and requires a specifically tailored system. We encourage you to consult with our monitoring specialists before installing any monitoring system to ensure that it's designed to meet your specific needs.