scholarly journals Application of Remote Sensing to the Investigation of Rock Slopes: Experience Gained and Lessons Learned

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doug Stead ◽  
Davide Donati ◽  
Andrea Wolter ◽  
Matthieu Sturzenegger

The stability and deformation behavior of high rock slopes depends on many factors, including geological structures, lithology, geomorphic processes, stress distribution, and groundwater regime. A comprehensive mapping program is, therefore, required to investigate and assess the stability of high rock slopes. However, slope steepness, rockfalls and ongoing instability, difficult terrain, and other safety concerns may prevent the collection of data by means of traditional field techniques. Therefore, remote sensing methods are often critical to perform an effective investigation. In this paper, we describe the application of field and remote sensing approaches for the characterization of rock slopes at various scale and distances. Based on over 15 years of the experience gained by the Engineering Geology and Resource Geotechnics Research Group at Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, Canada), we provide a summary of the potential applications, advantages, and limitations of varied remote sensing techniques for comprehensive characterization of rock slopes. We illustrate how remote sensing methods have been critical in performing rock slope investigations. However, we observe that traditional field methods still remain indispensable to collect important intact rock and discontinuity condition data.

Author(s):  
Richard H. Bennett ◽  
Huon Li ◽  
Michael D. Richardson ◽  
Peter Fleischer ◽  
Douglas N. Lambert ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Carmelo Riccardo Fichera ◽  
Giuseppe Modica ◽  
Maurizio Pollino

One of the most relevant applications of Remote Sensing (RS) techniques is related to the analysis and the characterization of Land Cover (LC) and its change, very useful to efficiently undertake land planning and management policies. Here, a case study is described, conducted in the area of Avellino (Southern Italy) by means of RS in combination with GIS and landscape metrics. A multi-temporal dataset of RS imagery has been used: aerial photos (1954, 1974, 1990), Landsat images (MSS 1975, TM 1985 and 1993, ETM+ 2004), and digital orthophotos (1994 and 2006). To characterize the dynamics of changes during a fifty year period (1954-2004), the approach has integrated temporal trend analysis and landscape metrics, focusing on the urban-rural gradient. Aerial photos and satellite images have been classified to obtain maps of LC changes, for fixed intervals: 1954-1985 and 1985-2004. LC pattern and its change are linked to both natural and social processes, whose driving role has been clearly demonstrated in the case analysed. In fact, after the disastrous Irpinia earthquake (1980), the local specific zoning laws and urban plans have significantly addressed landscape changes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 10.1-10.21 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bühl ◽  
S. Alexander ◽  
S. Crewell ◽  
A. Heymsfield ◽  
H. Kalesse ◽  
...  

Abstract State-of-the-art remote sensing techniques applicable to the investigation of ice formation and evolution are described. Ground-based and spaceborne measurements with lidar, radar, and radiometric techniques are discussed together with a global view on past and ongoing remote sensing measurement campaigns concerned with the study of ice formation and evolution. This chapter has the intention of a literature study and should illustrate the major efforts that are currently taken in the field of remote sensing of atmospheric ice. Since other chapters of this monograph mainly focus on aircraft in situ measurements, special emphasis is put on active remote sensing instruments and synergies between aircraft in situ measurements and passive remote sensing methods. The chapter concentrates on homogeneous and heterogeneous ice formation in the troposphere because this is a major topic of this monograph. Furthermore, methods that deliver direct, process-level information about ice formation are elaborated with a special emphasis on active remote sensing methods. Passive remote sensing methods are also dealt with but only in the context of synergy with aircraft in situ measurements.


2016 ◽  
Vol 117 ◽  
pp. 114-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Carlos Lopes ◽  
Alcides José Pereira ◽  
Vasco Manuel Mantas ◽  
Horácio Kativa Mpengo

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 2295-2308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan van Veen ◽  
D. Jean Hutchinson ◽  
David A. Bonneau ◽  
Zac Sala ◽  
Matthew Ondercin ◽  
...  

Abstract. Remote sensing techniques can be used to gain a more detailed understanding of hazardous rock slopes along railway corridors that would otherwise be inaccessible. Multiple datasets can be used to identify changes over time, creating an inventory of events to produce magnitude–frequency relationships for rockfalls sourced on the slope. This study presents a method for using the remotely sensed data to develop inputs to rockfall simulations, including rockfall source locations and slope material parameters, which can be used to determine the likelihood of a rockfall impacting the railway tracks given its source zone location and volume. The results of the simulations can be related to the rockfall inventory to develop modified magnitude–frequency curves presenting a more realistic estimate of the hazard. These methods were developed using the RockyFor3D software and lidar and photogrammetry data collected over several years at White Canyon, British Columbia, Canada, where the Canadian National (CN) Rail main line runs along the base of the slope. Rockfalls sourced closer to the tracks were more likely to be deposited on the track or in the ditch, and of these, rockfalls between 0.1 and 10 m3 were the most likely to be deposited. Smaller blocks did not travel far enough to reach the bottom of the slope and larger blocks were deposited past the tracks. Applying the results of the simulations to a database of over 2000 rockfall events, a modified magnitude–frequency can be created, allowing the frequency of rockfalls deposited on the railway tracks or in ditches to be determined. Suggestions are made for future development of the methods including refinement of input parameters and extension to other modelling packages.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gargi Chakraborti (Banerjee) ◽  
Arka Bandyopadhyay ◽  
Debnarayan Jana

A first principles based density functional theory (DFT) has been employed to identify the signature of Stone–Wales (SW) defects in semiconducting graphene quantum dot (GQD). Results show that the G mode in the Raman spectra of GQD has been red shifted to 1544.21 cm − 1 in the presence of 2.08% SW defect concentration. In addition, the intensity ratio between a robust low intense contraction–elongation mode and G mode is found to be reduced for the defected structure. We have also observed a Raman mode at 1674.04 cm − 1 due to the solo contribution of the defected bond. The increase in defect concentration, however, reduces the stability of the structures. As a consequence, the systems undergo structural buckling due to the presence of SW defect generated additional stresses. We have further explored that the 1615.45 cm − 1 Raman mode and 1619.29 cm − 1 infra-red mode are due to the collective stretching of two distinct SW defects separated at a distance 7.98 Å. Therefore, this is the smallest separation between the SW defects for their distinct existence. The pristine structure possesses maximum electrical conductivity and the same reduces to 0.37 times for 2.08% SW defect. On the other hand, the work function is reduced in the presence of defects except for the structure with SW defects separated at 7.98 Å. All these results will serve as an important reference to facilitate the potential applications of GQD based nano-devices with inherent topological SW defects.


2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 (1) ◽  
pp. 407-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans V. Jensen ◽  
Jørn H. S. Andersen ◽  
Per S. Daling ◽  
Elisabeth Nøst

ABSTRACT Introducing regular aerial surveillance in 1981 and near-real time radar satellite detection services in 1992, Norway has obtained a substantial experience in multi sensor oil spill remote sensing. Since 2001 NOFO has been a driving force in the development and utilization of ship-based sensors for short to medium range oil spill detection, supplementing airborne and satellite remote sensing. During the NOFO Oil On Water Exercise in 2006 two satellites, four aircraft, one helicopter and two ships carrying wide range of sensors provided a unique opportunity to assess and compare remote sensing field data synchronized with ground-truth sampling from three sampling MOB-boats. The sampling boats were equipped for doing oil slick thickness measurements and physical-chemical characterization of the surface oil properties. A new vessel-based dispersant application system was field tested executing dispersant treatment of two oil slicks while supported by live infrared video transmitted to the vessel from helicopter. The success of this experiment was documented by extensive monitoring and characterization of the surface oil and the dispersed oil plume during and after the dispersant treatment. This guiding technique, in using aerial forward looking IR-video live transmission from helicopter and remote sensing aircraft, has been practiced later during a recent accidental oil spill on the Norwegian continental shelf. To utilize multiple remote sensors operationally from a response vessel, it is necessary to compare signatures from different sensors in near real time. This paper describes core elements of the remote sensing and ground-truth monitoring during oil on water exercises in recent years, lessons learned and how NOFO will continue developing remote sensing operations related to oil spill combating in reduced visibility and light conditions.


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