Application of 3-D Laser Scanning Technique to Slope Movement Monitoring

Abstract

A full-scale field test was carried out on a loosely-compacted fill slope that had been installed with soil nails. The slope was brought to limit equilibrium by subjecting it to a surcharge at the slope crest in combination with induced rise in phreatic surface and precipitation. Heavy instrumentation comprised of in-place inclinometer, vibrating wire piezometers, vibrating wire extensometer, earth pressure cell, tensiometer, and strain gages along the soil nails had been monitored throughout the test. Surface movement was monitored using a GPS system and a 3-D laser scanning technique.

This paper focuses on the use of a 3-D laser scanner in capturing the formation of cracks and surface movement during the failure. It is demonstrated that with the use of this technique, the surface movement of the slope can be accurately recorded without the need of physically accessing the slope surface.