Automatic monitoring of slope deformations using geotechnical instruments

Monitoring the deformation and other useful physical parameters of slopes, either natural mountain slopes or those formed in open pit mining or construction, is one of the most effective methods to avoid or reduce the risk caused by landslides. The commonly used geotechnical instruments for slope monitoring in the Australian open pit mining industry are first reviewed briefly, then followed by the introduction of an automatic slope monitoring system that is based on integration of electronic geotechnical instruments with specialized software. The design and test results of the system at a mining site in Australia are given in detail. It is shown from the test and a critical assessment of the system that automatic monitoring of slopes offers a number of advantages over manual data-gathering approaches.