Structural Data Collection for Slope Stability Analysis Using Digital Technology—A Case Study of Melbur Pit, UK

Abstract

Slope stability is “the heart” of open pit mining operations. Pit slope monitoring is an important undertaking requiring collection of structural data for geotechnical characterization and stability analysis. Challenges exist with conventional field data collection methods including time, safety, and data accuracy and reliability. In this paper, 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry and Split FX are integrated to investigate open pit slopes in highly geologically altered materials using a case study from the Melbur Pit slopes in Cornwall, United Kingdom. A 3D laser scanner is applied to scan structures from the slope face and to create a 3D point cloud database. Photogrammetry is applied to capture images for processing. 3D images are draped onto the point cloud to give a visual representation of the slope face. The kinematic analysis indicates that the integrated approach enhances the identification of structural discontinuity sets and their orientations. An integration of emerging digital technologies thus provides a comprehensive and reasonably reliable structural database for slope stability analysis during open pit mining.