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Use of Remote Sensing in the Collection of Discontinuity Data for the Analysis and Design of Cut Slopes

Fisher, James E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1301650486

Abstract Details

2011, MS, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Earth Sciences.
This study was conducted to examine the use of remote sensing techniques in the collection of discontinuity data for statistical and slope stability analyses. Two study areas where selected in Pulaski and Montgomery counties in central Virginia. Terrestrial LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and a transit compass were used to collect data at an abandoned quarry in the vicinity of Claytor Dam and Interstate 81 southwest of Christiansburg, Virginia. These data were used in a statistical analysis to compare both datasets and in a slope stability analysis for the adjacent section of Interstate 81. Digital photogrammetry was used to collect data on slopes along Interstate 81 northeast of Christiansburg. The digital photogrammetry dataset was qualitatively compared with the LiDAR dataset to illustrate differences and possible limitations of these remote sensing methods for the collection of discontinuity data. The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) compare the use of LiDAR and transit compass methods in collecting discontinuity orientation data through graphical and statistical analyses; 2) compare the kinematic analyses for both LiDAR and transit compass methods to determine the differences in the results; 3) compare LiDAR and photogrammetry methods to evaluate any limitations therein; and 4) compare the use of LiDAR and transit compass methods in the design of cut slopes along a portion of Interstate 81. For the comparison of the LiDAR and transit compass datasets, results show that the two datasets have similar mean orientation values for the corresponding discontinuity sets and are graphically similar when plotted on stereonet plots. However, the two datasets are not statistically derived from the same population. More importantly, a joint set was identified in the transit compass dataset that was either not detected or has a different mean orientation in the LiDAR dataset. These differences affected the kinematic analysis results and, therefore, the cut slope design for Interstate 81. A possible explanation for these differences is that the tectonically disturbed nature of the bedrock within the site area coupled with method limitations for both the LiDAR and the transit compass resulted in the sampling of different subpopulations within the global population. Specifically, for the apparent missing discontinuity set in the LiDAR data, limitations in the method resolution lead to the under-sampling of discontinuity data comprising that discontinuity set, causing it to be poorly represented in the stereonet plots. The qualitative comparison of LiDAR and photogrammetry methods demonstrates that the stereonet plots have distinct differences in terms of discontinuity set data density and general scatter of the data. These differences are due to the distinct data acquisition procedures and processing steps of each method, which illustrates the limitations each method has with respect to collecting and deriving discontinuity orientation data. However, with adequate preparation and planning of field investigations to minimize the effect of method limitations, incorporating these remote sensing techniques will enable faster, more efficient, and safer data collection of discontinuity data for the design of cut slopes.
Abdul Shakoor, PhD (Advisor)
Donna Witter, PhD (Committee Member)
Dahl Peter, PhD (Committee Member)
251 p.
remote sensing; terrestrial LiDAR; photogrammetry; disconinuity; stereonet; statistical analysis; slope stability; kinematic analysis; engineering geology; Virginia

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Fisher, J. E. (2011). Use of Remote Sensing in the Collection of Discontinuity Data for the Analysis and Design of Cut Slopes [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1301650486

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Fisher, James. Use of Remote Sensing in the Collection of Discontinuity Data for the Analysis and Design of Cut Slopes. 2011. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1301650486.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Fisher, James. "Use of Remote Sensing in the Collection of Discontinuity Data for the Analysis and Design of Cut Slopes." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1301650486

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.