Mauro Häusler - Spektrum

Most information available for characterizing and monitoring unstable rock slopes are acquired by sensing displacements at the Earth’s surface, possibly missing critical structural changes at depth.
We provide a solution to overcome this gap by measuring ambient vibrations on potentially unstable slopes and rock features. The vibrational properties provide information on the extent of the instability and the degradation of the rock mass – similar to structural health monitoring of large bridges and dams.
The technique can be applied for real-time monitoring but also by using temporary and portable sensors for rapid characterization of the slope as a base for in-depth geological investigations.