Slope stability analysis of post-mining dumps with the use of photogrammetric geometry measurements – a case study

Abstract

: Post-mining dumps are a common sight in the industrial areas of Silesia (Poland). Despite several reclamation projects, many of them still constitute an unresolved problem. It is not only a matter of unaesthetic view – they often pose a threat to the environment and the people living nearby. Despite revitalization, some dumps are not properly maintained and are at the risk of slope failure. Such places require constant geodetic observation and stability control. In this article, the example of a dump located in the city of Gliwice was used to show the possibilities offered by the use of photogrammetry and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for cyclic checks of the embankment condition. The current state of the dumpandtheresultsofinterventionsaftertwoincidentsofslopefailure,wereobserved.Themainslopes of the terrain surface and at the selected cross-sections were determined in two flight missions. The obtained geometrical data were used in the further numerical analysis. Finite Element Method model representingoneoftheescarpmentcross-sectionswasbuilttoestimatethefactorofsafetyanddetermine