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Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Collecting Discontinuity Orientation Data for Slope Stability Analysis: Two Case Studies from Virginia

Delaney, Rachael Kathryn
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6559-4175
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1555290215872132

Abstract Details

2019, MS, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Earth Sciences.
This study was undertaken to compare discontinuity orientation data collected by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), terrestrial LiDAR (light detection and ranging), and transit compass methods at two study sites in the state of Virginia. These included a cut along state route 629 in Deerfield Township, Augusta County (Site 1) and an abandoned shale quarry at the foot of Cove Mountain in Wythe County, near Interstate 77 (Site 2). Transit compass measurements and UAV and LiDAR scans were taken at both field sites. Scans from both remote sensing methods were used to create 3D point cloud models using Pix4DMapper Pro software for UAV data and Cyclone software for LiDAR data. These 3D point clouds were imported into Split-FX to identify and extract discontinuity orientation data for use in Dips 7.0, RocPlane 3.0, and Swedge 6.0 computer programs. Orientation data from all three methods was used to generate stereonet plots, statistical plots and tables, and to perform kinematic analysis. In addition to structural data analysis, laboratory investigations were performed to determine engineering properties of the rock from each site. Statistical evaluation of the three data collection methods reveals that results from Site 1 UAV and LiDAR data do not match those of the transit compass data, and thus are not accurate. Site 2 results indicate that UAV data are more accurate than LiDAR data when compared to compass data. Compass data indicate the presence of four principal discontinuity sets (PDS) for Site 1 and three PDS for Site 2. In comparison, UAV data indicate three PDS for Site 1 and four PDS for Site 2; none of the Site 1 PDS centers match those of the compass data, but two of the Site 2 PDS centers do. LiDAR data indicate three PDS at Sites 1 and 2. The Site 1 PDS centers do not match those of the compass data, but one of the Site 2 PDS centers do. Results of kinematic analysis from compass data indicate that the main failure type present at both Sites 1 and 2 is plane failure along bedding, with overall high probabilities of failure. Orthogonal joints at Site 1 serve as release surfaces for wedge shaped blocks, which then fail by planar sliding. Only Site 2 compass data indicate potential for wedge sliding, but this is not exhibited in the field. Compass data for Sites 1 and 2 indicate potential for base plane direct and oblique toppling. Only Site 1 compass data indicate potential for flexural toppling. When compared with compass data, Site 1 UAV data are accurate for plane failure analysis only. Site 2 UAV data are accurate for plane, wedge, direct/oblique toppling, and flexural toppling failure. Site 1 LiDAR data are not accurate for any failure type, while Site 2 LiDAR data are accurate for plane, wedge, and direct/oblique toppling failures. Sites 1 and 2 factor of safety (FS) values against plane and wedge failure indicate unstable slopes, except for an FS against plane failure of 1.03 (near failure) indicated by the Site 1 compass data.
Abdul Shakoor (Advisor)
Neil Wells (Committee Member)
Chester "Skip" Watts (Committee Member)
142 p.
Engineering; Geological; Geology
UAV; unmanned aerial vehicle; remote sensing; slope stability; LiDAR; engineering geology; discontinuity orientation data

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Delaney, R. K. (2019). Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Collecting Discontinuity Orientation Data for Slope Stability Analysis: Two Case Studies from Virginia [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1555290215872132

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Delaney, Rachael. Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Collecting Discontinuity Orientation Data for Slope Stability Analysis: Two Case Studies from Virginia. 2019. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1555290215872132.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Delaney, Rachael. "Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Collecting Discontinuity Orientation Data for Slope Stability Analysis: Two Case Studies from Virginia." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1555290215872132

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.