Two- and Three-Dimensional Slope Stability Analyses of Rock Cut Using Unmanned Aerial Photogrammetry Data

摘要

Performance and maintenance of infrastructure located in the vicinity of rock cuts and/or slopes depend on the stability of slopes. Assessing the stability of such rock slopes is essential to ensure the typical performance of such infrastructure. Although three-dimensional (3D) analysis of slopes has shown promising results in assessing complex geometries and boundary conditions, the widespread use of such analysis is hindered by the limited accessibility to 3D data collection and analysis tools. Therefore, this study focuses on using both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D equilibrium stability analyses for evaluating a rock slope geometry. Close range photogrammetry, accomplished by using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, was used to inspect a complex terrain comprising of a rail line passing through a rock-cut. Highly weathered rock mass with low intact strength was considered as a single continuum that undergoes circular failure and analyzed using Spencer's 2D and 3D limit equilibrium method (LEM). These stability analysis methods were used in tandem to identify the 2D critical sections within the 3D critical slip surface of the rock slope that may need rehabilitation. The results of the study highlight that unmanned aerial vehicles offer a safe and cost-effective solution to collect the 3D data of large slopes located in remote and inaccessible areas compared to traditional data collection methods.