Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review

This review examines the application of the geophysical methods for Transportation Infrastructure Slope Monitoring (TISM). In contrast to existing works, which address geophysical methods for natural landslide monitoring, this study focuses on their application to infrastructure assets. It addresses...

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Main Authors: Zeynab Rosa Maleki, Paul Wilkinson, Jonathan Chambers, Shane Donohue, Jessica Lauren Holmes, Ross Stirling
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Geosciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/15/6/220
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author Zeynab Rosa Maleki
Paul Wilkinson
Jonathan Chambers
Shane Donohue
Jessica Lauren Holmes
Ross Stirling
author_facet Zeynab Rosa Maleki
Paul Wilkinson
Jonathan Chambers
Shane Donohue
Jessica Lauren Holmes
Ross Stirling
author_sort Zeynab Rosa Maleki
collection DOAJ
description This review examines the application of the geophysical methods for Transportation Infrastructure Slope Monitoring (TISM). In contrast to existing works, which address geophysical methods for natural landslide monitoring, this study focuses on their application to infrastructure assets. It addresses the key aspects regarding the geophysical methods most employed, the subsurface properties revealed, and the design of monitoring systems, including sensor deployment. It evaluates the benefits and challenges associated with each geophysical approach, explores the potential for integrating geophysical techniques with other methods, and identifies the emerging technologies. Geophysical techniques such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) have proven effective in monitoring slope stability and detecting subsurface features, including soil moisture dynamics, slip surfaces, and material heterogeneity. Both temporary and permanent monitoring setups have been used, with increasing interest in real-time monitoring solutions. The integration of advanced technologies like Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), UAV-mounted sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) promises to enhance the resolution, accessibility, and predictive capabilities of slope monitoring systems. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for integrated monitoring frameworks that combine geophysical data with real-time analysis to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation infrastructure management.
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spelling doaj-art-c8d8d1c98bb94d50a2195bd6cc6c33dd2025-08-20T03:24:33ZengMDPI AGGeosciences2076-32632025-06-0115622010.3390/geosciences15060220Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A ReviewZeynab Rosa Maleki0Paul Wilkinson1Jonathan Chambers2Shane Donohue3Jessica Lauren Holmes4Ross Stirling5Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering, School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UKBritish Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UKBritish Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UKSchool of Civil Engineering, UCD College of Engineering & Architecture, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8 Dublin, IrelandFaculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering, School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UKFaculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering, School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UKThis review examines the application of the geophysical methods for Transportation Infrastructure Slope Monitoring (TISM). In contrast to existing works, which address geophysical methods for natural landslide monitoring, this study focuses on their application to infrastructure assets. It addresses the key aspects regarding the geophysical methods most employed, the subsurface properties revealed, and the design of monitoring systems, including sensor deployment. It evaluates the benefits and challenges associated with each geophysical approach, explores the potential for integrating geophysical techniques with other methods, and identifies the emerging technologies. Geophysical techniques such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) have proven effective in monitoring slope stability and detecting subsurface features, including soil moisture dynamics, slip surfaces, and material heterogeneity. Both temporary and permanent monitoring setups have been used, with increasing interest in real-time monitoring solutions. The integration of advanced technologies like Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), UAV-mounted sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) promises to enhance the resolution, accessibility, and predictive capabilities of slope monitoring systems. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for integrated monitoring frameworks that combine geophysical data with real-time analysis to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation infrastructure management.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/15/6/220Geophysical techniquesslope stabilitytransportation infrastructure slopemonitoring
spellingShingle Zeynab Rosa Maleki
Paul Wilkinson
Jonathan Chambers
Shane Donohue
Jessica Lauren Holmes
Ross Stirling
Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review
Geosciences
Geophysical techniques
slope stability
transportation infrastructure slope
monitoring
title Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review
title_full Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review
title_fullStr Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review
title_full_unstemmed Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review
title_short Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review
title_sort geophysical survey and monitoring of transportation infrastructure slopes tiss a review
topic Geophysical techniques
slope stability
transportation infrastructure slope
monitoring
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/15/6/220
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