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 constr uction, is one of the most effective methods to avoid or reduce the risk ca used by landslides. The commonly used geotechnical instruments for slope mo nitoring in the Australian open pit mining industry are first reviewed brie fly, then followed by the introduction of an automatic slope monitoring sys tem that is based on integration of electronic geotechnical instruments wit h specialized software. The design and test results of the system at a mini ng site in Australia are given in detail. It is shown from the test and a c ritical assessment of the system that automatic monitoring of slopes offers a number of advantages over manual data-gathering approaches.