Monitoring toppling failures using wireless inertial measurement unit sensors

Abstract

Topple is a common rock slope failure and usually the predecessor of a rockfall that depends on the slope and rock geometries. This paper presents a laboratory simulation and field generation of a single-column rock topple failure. Innovative Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors were used to collect three-dimensional acceleration and angular velocity data during four laboratory experiments to understand and characterize general toppling behaviors. Topple is identified by the gradual change in at least two gravity accelerations, the continuously increase in at least one of the angular velocities and a significant change in the linear acceleration in the direction of toppling. The field experiment showed similar sensor data patterns to those observed from the laboratory experiments. An isolated-block stability analysis of a single-column topple provides the basis for incorporating the IMU sensors into the development of future monitoring and early warning system.